We will:

• offer free advice on developing research funding and fellowship applications
• allocate advisers to coordinate support and guidance
• provide timely feedback on draft applications
• where appropriate, include our public contributors* as part of the support we provide to you
• treat all discussions and information provided in confidence
• signpost to other helpful people, services, and resources
• offer continuing support post award where needed

We can help by:

• identifying suitable funders for your research
• identifying possible gaps in your research team and suggesting collaborators
• recommending appropriate methods and designs
• advising on and supporting public involvement in your research
• helping you to demonstrate the potential value and impact of your research
• reviewing drafts of your application and suggesting improvements

Unfortunately, the RSS cannot:

• support applications not intended for national peer-reviewed funding bodies
• provide supervision or informal support for students
• draft sections of funding applications
• carry out any of the research proposed (unless we agree to be a co-applicant and appropriate costs are included in the grant)

To make the most of the RSS and to support the service, we ask researchers to approach us well in advance of application deadlines, familiarise themselves with the scope and eligibility of their intended funder, inform the RSS of the outcome of their applications, and provide feedback on our service through our post advice surveys.

Please note: The RSS cannot and does not promote or endorse any application or intervention.

Updated 29 September 2023

*‘public contributors’ are lay people who work with us to support research teams, and who have an interest in health research and can provide public involvement advice