The Committee considers applications for research aimed at improving treatments and / or diagnostic approaches for conditions of clinical importance to the population of Scotland.
Applications must demonstrate the clinical relevance of the research and its potential for translation into clinical practice. Applications that seek to address questions of clinical importance in small patient groups (e.g. rare diseases) are welcomed.
Development, feasibility or pilot studies that will provide essential data to underpin applications for definitive studies to other funders are expected to form a major proportion of the portfolio. As part of study design, applicants should take into consideration guidance to improve trial delivery for under-served groups (The INCLUDE Ethnicity Framework – Trial Forge).
Competition for funding is high. In addition to assessment of methodology, the direct potential impact of the study or its capacity to provide evidence to support definitive studies will be key considerations for shortlisting and final funding decisions. It is expected that no more than 4-5 proposals will be funded in any one application round. Unless specifically invited, resubmissions of proposals will not be considered.
Queries relating to applications should be directed to Dr Alan McNair.
For all other questions, including those on active grants, please contact the CSO Grants Management Team.
Current Committee Membership
| Professor James Chalmers (Co-Chair) | University of Dundee |
| Professor Iain McEwan (Co-Chair) | University of Aberdeen |
| Professor Syed Faisal Ahmed | University of Glasgow |
| Dr Paul Coats | University of Strathclyde |
| Professor Stephanie Dancer | NHS Lanarkshire/Edinburgh Napier University |
| Dr Fergus Doubal | University of Edinburgh |
| Dr Jonine Figueroa | University of Edinburgh |
| Professor Kostas Gerasimidis | University of Glasgow |
| Dr Anne-Marie Haughey | Edinburgh Napier University |
| Ms Marilyn Jackson | Lay Member |
| Mr Alan Johnstone | Lay Member |
| Ms Catriona Keerie | University of Edinburgh |
| Professor Anne Kiltie | University of Aberdeen |
| Professor Paddy Mark | University of Glasgow |
| Professor Ian Megson | University of the Highlands and Islands |
| Dr Esther Sammler | University of Dundee |
| Dr Lucy Whitaker | University of Edinburgh |
| Dr Catherine Wright | Glasgow Caledonian University |