Funding Opportunities

The BHF Centre of Research Excellence is pleased to offer funding opportunities for internal applicants of University of Leicester only, focusing on four key areas: 

• Training and education
• Conferences and meetings
• Translation and commercialisation 
• Pump priming 

These funds are designed to support innovative projects that strengthen skills, accelerate research impact, and drive real-world application of cardiovascular research.

The funding opportunities encourage Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to contribute to meaningful impact and successful applicants demonstrate how the funding benefits their work. These updates are included annual reports, showcasing the impact of the Centre’s investment in research excellence.

Find out more about internal funding opportunities (log-in required)

Internal funding opportunities in detail

Training and education

This funding supports education and training for BHF CRE co-applicants and named investigators. The training fund is intended to be flexible and can include visits to other research groups or industry partners to learn specific techniques.

Our applicants are encouraged to think innovatively on how training needs can be met to maximise output. Candidates are expected to carefully consider the costs of the training, how it will enhance cross theme or interdisciplinary working, or how the training will develop new experimental methodologies.  

Conferences and meetings

This fund gives internal staff the opportunity to attend local, national and international meetings and conferences in order to showcase their work, discuss the latest research with colleagues, and build relationships with the potential for further research. Only BHF CRE Investigators, those working directly on BHF CRE supported research (including BHF CRE-funded PDRAs), or BHF 4 year PhD students are eligible to apply for funding.

Translation and commercialisation

This fund is available for projects with clear potential for clinical translation, adoption into NHS or other health systems, or commercial development. Projects must fall within the CRE themes of Discovery, Interventions and Populations.

We focus on applicants who demonstrate a defined translational pathway and measurable milestones. Funding can cover costs directly supporting translational or commercialisation activities, including (but not limited to); prototype development, testing, investor readiness, market research, equipment, travel and business development. 

To find out more, contact Prof Thanos Saratzis, BHF CRE Commercialisation and Translation Champion at: as875@leicester.ac.uk.

Pump priming fund

The BHF CRE pump priming fund is intended to direct funds towards pump-priming of novel ideas likely to generate a significant grant application or fellowship application within 18 months of the start date of the award. The Pump Priming Fund is open to researchers across the University of Leicester, provided that the project collaborates with a CRE Investigator, aligns with our key themes, has clear hypothesis, aims and realistic deliverables. 

The scheme particularly encourages applications from Early Career Researchers, Interdisciplinary teams and projects bridging multiple CRE themes.

To find out more about funding opportunities, please contact leicester_cre@leicester.ac.uk.