MRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Engagement Fund

Fund remit

The MRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Engagement fund supports engagement with external organisations to build and sustain collaborative relationships and partnerships.  Engagement activities should support and enable the translation of research into new therapies, diagnostics, medical devices and technologies to benefit human health.

Examples of fundable engagement activities include;

• Meetings with potential industrial, clinical, public sector or non-governmental organisation partners
• Meetings with potential investors/funders
• Attendance at industry/healthcare care sector events
• Stakeholder engagement

Funding will not directly support research activity.

Funding is suited to developing and sustaining collaborative activity leading to future funding applications (e.g. to MRC IAA or equivalent fund) or increase external engagement with currently funded projects.

For help and advice in scoping for and engaging with potential industry partners please contact your local Business Development Executive. 

Funding and application process

MRC IAA Engagement fund is an open call with a funding limit of £3000 per application.  To apply for funding complete the MRC IAA Engagement Fund application form and submit to Lorraine Jackson (Lorraine.jackson@ed.ac.uk).  Funding decisions will be taken by the MRC IAA Programme Team with applicants notified of the outcomes within 2 weeks of submission.

As a condition of funding awardees will be expected to account for expenditure and submit a brief report on the outcomes of funded activities within 2 months of completion.  The MRC IAA Programme team may additionally request an update on outcomes annually for up to 3 years post completion. MRC IAA will not be responsible for any overspend on awards. 

Applicants can get advice prior to submitting an application from the MRC IAA Programme Manager, Dr Andrew McBride (andrew.mcbride@ei.ed.ac.uk).

Engagement Fund application