Novel and Emerging Technologies (NET) Grants
This unique grant gives researchers the opportunity to apply for funding to develop a novel and emerging technology or a new application of an existing technology.
NET grants are research projects which focus on the development of new and innovative technologies to diagnose, treat and prevent heart disease and related conditions. We’ve been awarding these NET grants since 2006.
Eligibility
Research projects with the emphasis on (1) novel and emerging technologies and (2) their application into cardiovascular disease prevention and/or treatment, which can be expected to benefit patients within a foreseeable timeframe, will be considered.
Appropriate approaches include tissue and bioengineering, the development and evaluation of new diagnostic devices, bio imaging, nanotechnology, biomaterials, genomic, and proteomic approaches, computational biology and bioinformatics.
Funding clinical trials through the NET Grant scheme is not appropriate. However, research projects incorporating a small scale clinical study to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology will be considered, providing that the clinical study is not the main focus of the research programme. Projects that are more specifically clinically focused should be directed to the Translational Research Project (TRP) grants scheme.
For example, the grant may support emerging strategies/ technologies in the management of risk factors, the evaluation of invasive cardiology procedures (eg angioplasty and stent replacement), and evaluation of new surgical approaches to cardiovascular disease, strategies aimed at improving the efficacy of ventricle assist and other devices, and the outcomes of resuscitation after cardiac arrest.
A multidisciplinary approach is encouraged. Proposals should be based on excellent science and also clearly describe the future clinical implications and the translational strategy.
Please note that from 2021, Heart Research UK is introducing a dedicated PhD studentship scheme and therefore studentships can no longer be applied for as part of a NET Grant.
2025 Awards
Maximum award: £300,000
- Outline applications accepted: 2nd September 2024 – 2nd October 2024
- Deadline full applications: 20th January 2025
- Medical Review Panel Meeting: TBC
2026 Awards
- Outline applications accepted: 2nd September 2025 – 3rd October 2025
- Deadline full applications: 16th January 2026
- Medical Review Panel Meeting: TBC
To apply
We have introduced a new online grant application process – FlexiGrant®
- Applicants who are new to Heart Research UK will need to register a FlexiGrant® account by clicking the ‘Register’ button
- Applicants who have applied for or been awarded a HRUK grant in the past, or have reviewed an application for HRUK previously, will already have an account set up. However, you will need to activate your account by requesting a new password and following the instructions.
- When you have logged in, click ‘Available Grants’ on the left-hand menu.
- Then click the ‘Start’ button next to the appropriate grant to begin your application.
For more information, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email medicalgrants@heartresearch.org.uk
How they are chosen
As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), we use a rigorous scientific review process to ensure that we fund only the best research projects in universities and hospitals.
All grant applications are assessed by carefully selected external peer-reviewers, in addition to the HRUK NET Medical Review Panel which includes the following members:
Dr Wenjia Bai
Prof Kim Dora
Prof Georgina Ellison-Hughes
Dr Katharine Fraser
Dr Pankaj Garg
Prof Gavin Murphy
Dr Jonathan Batty
In 2024, we received 20 outline applications, 12 full NET applications and 1 NET grant was awarded.
