[British Heart Foundation](https://www.bhf.org.uk)

No closing dates (applications accepted year-round)

Projects must exceed £500,000 or last longer than 4 years; funding typically up to 5 years.

Supports ambitious, large-scale cardiovascular research in the UK that cannot be funded by other BHF grant types.

Preliminary outline required at least 18 months before expected start date; only for senior UK-based researchers.

--- ## Description Special Project Grants from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) support major, long-term cardiovascular research projects in the UK. These grants are intended for basic science research, large-scale epidemiological studies, or experimental medicine studies that either require more than £500,000 in funding or will last longer than four years. The scheme is designed for senior researchers with a proven track record and an internationally recognized research profile, working at established UK research institutions. Projects must be ambitious, wide-ranging, and focused, and should not be part of a renewable programme or fit the criteria for other BHF grants such as Programme Grants or Clinical Study Grants. --- ## Due Dates - There are no formal closing dates; applications are accepted at any time. - Prospective applicants must submit a preliminary outline at least 18 months before the expected start date and receive approval before submitting a full application. - As Special Project Grants are rarely awarded without revision, applicants should plan to submit their application at least 12 months before the intended project start. --- ## Funding Amount - Projects must exceed £500,000 or last longer than four years. - Grant duration is up to five years, with an interim review at the halfway point. - Funding may cover: - Staff salaries (excluding PhD studentships) - Direct research consumables - Essential research equipment - Travel funding up to £2,000 per year for scientific meetings --- ## Eligibility - Principal investigator must be a senior researcher with a strong track record, typically with previous BHF grant support and an internationally recognized research profile. - Must be based at an established UK research institution. - Project should not be part of a renewable programme or eligible for other BHF grant types. - PhD studentships are not eligible for support under this grant. - Commercial collaborations are permitted with appropriate agreements and academic lead. --- ## Application Process 1. **Preliminary Application**: - Submit an online outline at least 18 months prior to the expected start date. - Include a concise Case for Support (max 3 A4 sides, Arial 12pt) covering project summary, background, hypothesis, design, objectives, value, justification for Special Project Grant, expected costs, and any commercial collaboration. 2. **Full Application**: - Upon approval of the outline, submit a full proposal online. - Case for Support (max 10 A4 sides for main sections, Arial 12pt) with detailed research plan, Gantt chart, references, outputs, and appendices (max 3 A4 sides for essential tables/figures). - Required uploads: letters of support, ethical approval (if relevant), CVs, equipment quotes (over £5,000), IP agreements if applicable. 3. **Review and Decision**: - Applications undergo external peer review and committee assessment. - Allow up to 9 months from full submission to decision; most grants require revision before approval. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be distinct from existing grants and not overlap scientifically or financially. - Ethical approval is required for studies involving human participants or data. - Applications involving animals must justify species, numbers, and include appropriate power calculations. - BHF emphasizes equality, diversity, and inclusion in research design and team composition. - Open access publication is expected for funded research. --- ## External Links - [Special Project Grants - BHF Program Page](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/special-project-grants) - [How to Apply for BHF Research Grants](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply) - [Essential Information for Applicants](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/essential-information) - [Apply Online](https://researchgrants.bhf.org.uk/) - [Independent Review Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/dora/bhf-independent-expert-review-guidelines_april2023.pdf?rev=24a57e50efd24d35bc9eccfd2a80968b&hash=B28F02D09A6A3492C1A4CDA983D82B9A) - [Review Form (PDF)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/dora/bhf-special-project-grant-review-form.pdf?rev=6666bdd4934a45ef822fc74e44885bb1&hash=64628A904E0EEE2394A063A50B1959E6) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General enquiries | heretohelp@bhf.org.uk / 0300 330 3322 | | Application advice | [Contact BHF](https://www.bhf.org.uk/contact) | | Postal address | Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 7AW, United Kingdom | ---

Special Project Grants

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