The NIHR Newcastle BRC is delighted to announce the launch of two funding initiatives for researchers seeking to establish and strengthen collaborations with industry partners.

Open to staff across Newcastle Hospitals, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, project and bursary funding is designed to support researchers at all levels to partner with industry to accelerate progression of research along the translational pathway.
Potential applicants can request informal feedback on their proposal or advice from the BRC’s Industry Group by submitting a short docxExpression of Interest.

Industry Partnership Project Call

This call is designed to fund projects that have the potential to expand translational research activity across our partner organisations and which will support the establishment or further development of high-quality collaborations with industry partners. The scope includes therapies, devices, biomarkers, diagnostics, treatment innovation, new methodologies and data analytics – all with direct line of sight to improved health outcomes for patients.


Funding up to £10k per project is available but in exceptional circumstances applications of up to £20k will be considered.
Projects should be no more than 12 months’ duration.

Examples of initiatives that may be funded include:

  • Studies that will provide preliminary data enabling substantive grant funding or collaboration
  • Knowledge exchange placements with an industry partner
  • Funding to scope and prepare future applications for external research funding in collaboration with an industry partner

Further guidance can be found in the Project application form. To apply, please submit the Project Application Form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 17:00 on Thurs-day, 4th December 2025. Subject to funding, a further call will be announced in 2026.


Industry Partnership Bursaries

This scheme will provide the BRC Community with the opportunity to request funds of up to £1,000 for specific activities to support the development of new links with industry partners or develop existing collaborations.

Examples of initiatives that may be funded include:

  • Support industry engagement activities
  • Travel to industry focussed meetings and conferences
  • Supporting individuals to spend short periods of time working in industry collaborator labs

 

Further guidance can be found in the Bursary Application FormBursary Application Form.

Requests will be reviewed in November 2025 and February 2026. To apply, please submit the application form to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 17:00 on

  • 17:00, Friday, 31st October 2025, or
  • 17:00, Friday, 30th January 2026


Advice from the Panel

Collaborations with industry partners are a vital part of the BRC’s strategy. Industry partners are attracted by access to experienced clinicians and scientists, well-characterised patient cohorts and robust delivery infrastructure and building sustainable partnerships helps the BRC to accelerate translation of discoveries into patient benefit and economic growth.

The BRC aims to support investigators at all levels to develop the confidence and skills to engage with industry and welcomes applications from those who are seeking to work with commercial partners for the first time.

If you would like informal feedback or advice on your proposal, please complete docxthe Expression of Interest and submit to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.