A partnership grant will provide funds for one to five years.
Resource requests will vary between partnerships (see case studies), therefore applicants are strongly advised to discuss this with the relevant programme manager prior to applying. For details of the pre-application stage, see how to apply.
Project lead and co-lead salaries
Where resources are requested for project lead and co-lead time, the application should explain the input of each of the named lead and co-leads, and justify why the stated time commitment is necessary for the partnership.
It is anticipated that in most instances only the project lead and possibly one or two co-leads will seek reimbursement in this context.
Project partners are not usually expected to request MRC funding to participate in the partnership, although minor costs will be considered.
Research costs
Minimal resources should be requested for research. For example, research staff may only be supported in exceptional cases. However, where justified, technical posts may be requested.
Partnership grants may support purchase of equipment, or infrastructure that is key to the aims of the partnership or provides a platform for activities associated with the partnership.
If international collaboration is key to the success of the partnership, including costs for work undertaken at an overseas research organisation is permitted. You must justify in your application why their expertise is required.
Find more information on allowable overseas costs in the MRC guidance for applicants (section 3.3).