Translational Research Project (TRP) grants
Translational Research Project Grants aim to bridge the gap between laboratory-based scientific research and patient care.
Eligibility
We particularly welcome applications in two categories:
First translational gap: Here we wish to support preclinical studies that apply discoveries generated in the laboratory to studies in humans. These studies should be applied in nature and directed at aetiology or treatments of diseases from the outset, not exploring fundamental mechanisms of biology or disease.
Second translational gap: Patient focused studies. Here we wish to support research that has a direct and immediate benefit on patient care including diagnostic, prevention and treatment strategies.
Translational research is dynamic and evolving process to continually improve healthcare and should not stop once the technology is at the patient’s bedside. It can be thought of as taking a scientific breakthrough from ‘laboratory bench to hospital bedside and back’ to be further improved.
This may advance current practice or enable innovative discoveries to be transferred into practical tools to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease.
We have been awarding these grants since 2009 and they show our commitment to supporting innovative ‘bench-to-bedside’ research which can improve the health and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.
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 TRP Grant.
2025 Awards:
Maximum award: £225,000
Grant applications accepted from the beginning of May each year
Closing date for applications: 3rd June 2025
Awards announced: November 2025
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Surgeries – Are patients at the heart of your research?
PPI means actively working in partnership with patients and members of the public to plan, manage, design, and carry out research. PPI is an essential part of research and has been shown to improve its quality, impact, and the outcome for patients.
Our PPI Surgeries are a great opportunity for you to present your research proposal to members of our Patient and Public Network and hear their unique perspectives before you submit your application to Heart Research UK.
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 Heart Research UK Translational Research Project (TRP) Grants Medical Review Panel which includes the following members:
Prof Amrita Ahluwalia
Prof Enoch Akowuah
Dr Ingrid Dumitriu
Prof Nicholas Brindle
Dr Kate Gatenby
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (Leeds General Infirmary)
Prof Steve Watson
Prof Aroon Hingorani
Prof Helen Jones
Prof Pier Lambiase
Prof Delvac Oceandy
In 2024, the award rate for TRP grants was one in five.
