Research Grant

Spark Grant

The Spark Grant is available to allow researchers to test new ideas or deliver proof-of-principle studies to de-risk larger investment which could include the HRUK NET or TRP grants.

Scope

We fund research focused solely on heart diseases and proposals must clearly demonstrate potential benefits for heart disease patients. Projects targeting conditions like stroke, diabetes, or peripheral arterial disease fall outside our remit and will not be considered. We strongly encourage novel and innovative ideas and proposals must be hypothesis-led and show a clear path to clinical application.

Purpose

The Spark Grant helps researchers generate data to de-risk projects and strengthen future funding applications. Suitable projects include:

Testing new hypotheses and collecting preliminary data.
Demonstrating proof-of-principle to support translational steps after basic research.

Projects must align with our strategy and priorities. We encourage Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), and all applications are assessed by both scientific reviewers and people with lived experience of heart disease.

Eligibility

Open to UK-based researchers at universities, research institutions, or NHS Trusts.
Applicants can be at any career stage and/or new to heart disease research.
Lead applicants must hold a contract (fixed-term or tenured) covering the grant duration.
We welcome applications from early career researchers.
One application per lead applicant per round.

Award details

Value: Up to £25,000
Duration: Up to 18 months
No minimum amount or duration; flexible for various project needs.

Timeline

Grant applications accepted from the beginning of October 2026
Closing date for applications: early December 2026
Awards announced: April 2027

How to apply

Submit via FlexiGrant (our online grant management system):
Register or sign in at the online portal
Click ‘Available Grants’ and select the relevant scheme
Start your application.

For more information, contact Heart Research UK on 0113 234 7474 or email medicalgrants@heartresearch.org.uk

How Applications 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 applications will be reviewed by a Spark Grant Medical Review Panel (with co-opted members if necessary) instead of sending out for external peer review.