Pump Priming
Calls will be issued twice a year. Anyone situated within the research group of a Principal Investigator based in our centre is welcome to apply.
Pump Priming Call April 2026
The purpose of the pump-priming grants is to support ambitious, early-stage projects that aim to accelerate progress towards curing or delaying type 1 diabetes (T1D).
These grants are intended to enable researchers to develop innovative, high-risk, high-reward ideas, particularly those that bring together cross-disciplinary expertise and foster new collaborations beyond traditional T1D research fields. With a strong emphasis on patient relevance, projects should align with key priorities such as identifying individuals at risk, preventing disease onset through immune-based strategies, and improving therapies that help patients live well.
The funding will help build research capacity by supporting early- and mid-career scientists, while leveraging Oxford's strengths in innovation and commercialisation to ensure promising discoveries can quickly progress from initial concepts to clinical development.
WHAT FUNDING SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
Small Grants (up to £10k) and Medium/Large Grants (up to £50k) are available. Staff costs can be requested in the medium/large grant category. Funding can be requested to cover the direct costs of the research.
HOW TO APPLY
Information about the eligibility criteria, how to apply and how your application will be assessed is available in the application guidelines.
Download the application form.
TIMELINE
First call:
Opens - Friday 17 April 2026
Closes - Friday 15 May 2026 (midday)
Outcomes - early June 2026
Second call:
Opens - October 2026, exact dates TBC