We are looking for applicants to develop interdisciplinary research proposals that can help identify, develop and enhance non-clinical policy and practice interventions. These interventions might benefit people at greater risk of developing musculoskeletal conditions or aim to reduce the negative consequences and improve the quality of life for those who have them. We are keen to fund evaluations of interventions outside of the healthcare system. We welcome applicants from wider fields, as well as those with existing musculoskeletal expertise.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how people living with, supporting, and treating, musculoskeletal conditions will be meaningfully involved throughout the duration of the project.

Funding for the call comes from the Foundation’s Oliver Bird Fund, bequeathed by Captain Oliver Bird, of Bird’s Custard Fame, in 1948. In 2018 we launched the first call for research into musculoskeletal conditions and we awarded funding tosix projects which are currently underway.

Application process

• Applicants must be based in a UK institution and submit an outline proposal by 14 March 2022. Short-listed applicants will be invited to submit a full application by July 2022.
• We expect most successful applications to be in the range of £50k-300k, for a duration of up to three years, but we will also consider applications for larger or smaller grants.  

Full criteria and details of how to apply are available at http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/OBF

Any questions relating to applications to the Oliver Bird Fund should be sent toapplications@nuffieldfoundation.org