The priority is to fund innovative scientific research into the prevention of meningitis, sepsis and other associated diseases. In compliance with the charity’s main objective to: To advance the education of healthcare professionals and the public in the prevention and treatment of meningitis, sepsis and other associated diseases through funding of high-quality research and its subsequent dissemination via publication and promotion through scientific and mainstream communication platforms.
Background
Over the last 30 years groundbreaking progress in controlling meningitis and sepsis has been made with the introduction of vaccines targeting key pathogens. Nevertheless, pathogens capable of causing the devastating effects of meningitis and sepsis remain. Vaccines for these pathogens are yet to be developed and with antimicrobial resistance increasing the need for surveillance and prevention remains. Sadly, until these gaps have been eliminated, death and life-long disability from these diseases remain leaving many with aftereffects which are lifelong.
The following research priorities have been identified
To fund innovative scientific research to prevent meningitis, sepsis and other associated diseases at established infectious disease units/institutions in the United Kingdom The funded projects must have the potential to increase the understanding into the causes, detection, treatment and prevention of meningitis and other associated diseases.
After consultation with our Trustees, Scientific Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP)and families affected by these diseases the following areas of research are:
- Disease prevention
- Improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis
- Improving treatment and patient outcomes
Grant funding mechanism
The Charity will invite applications from scientists working in the field of infectious disease with a particular knowledge and track record of meningitis and other associated diseases. A peer-review process will be followed.
Eligibility
Applicants must be employed within recognized research laboratories to including:
- UK higher education institutions
- research council institutes
- public sector research establishments
- research and technology organisations
- NHS bodies with research capacity
Applications from a single or multiple organisations are acceptable.
Use of Grants
Grants can be used for the following:
- Staff time
- Essential equipment for the project
- Consumables related to the project
- Essential travel related to the project
- Grants cannot be used for staff training
- Grants cannot be transferred to any other institution
Application Process
The application process will be in two parts, firstly an applicant will be asked to submit a preliminary application to assess the basic quality of the research. The preliminary application should include:
- Aims and deliverables
- Background and justification (to include relevant previous experience of applicant)
- Planned research activities
- Timetable with milestones
- Approximate costs
The preliminary application should not exceed 1000 words. The preliminary applications will be evaluated by the SMAP for their Scientific Merit and successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application.
The full application will follow a similar theme with applicants providing in-depth descriptions of the planned research and full costings.
The application forms will be available (when research round opens) from this website.
Application forms will need to be accompanied by:
- CVs for all applicants as well as research staff where a salary is requested
- Ethics approval (if required)
- Home office Project License (if required)
- Supporting letters (if required)
All applications will be evaluated by our external panel of experts, i.e., our Scientific Medical Advisory Panel. (SMAP). The SMAP will adhere to Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research terms of:
- Code of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest policy for scientific advisors, external referees, trustees and staff.
- Scientific Medical Advisory Panel (SMAP) Terms of Reference.
During the peer-review process, consultations may be sought by the panel members from other experts with a particular knowledge of the proposed research, the SMAP will then make an independent and impartial funding recommendation to the charity. The Trustees will then make a final decision on whether the charity should award funding for the research project.
Successful applicants will be informed in writing (via email and/or post) and asked to sign the charity’s standard terms and conditions which include the following:
- Funding
- Performance and reporting requirements and linkage of funding to performance/reports
- Dissemination and publication of results/findings of research
- Ownership of any intellectual property created through the research
Once a contract is signed, a lay and scientific summary of the research will be uploaded to the charity website.
Provision of funds and Associated Conditions
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant, reports must be regularly submitted. These reports will be reviewed by the charity’s SMAP to ensure appropriate performance/progress being achieved. They will assess performance/progress against the original application and will seek additional information if required in order to be able to make their recommendation to the charity’s board regarding continued funding.
Funds will be released in arrears by the board of Trustees following a satisfactory review of the latest report by the SMAP.
Impact/Outcome(s) and Dissemination
Following the completion of the research, the impact and outcome of the project will be assessed and agreed (working with the research lead for the project and SMAP) to maximise the dissemination/publication of the research findings. This will include uploading information to the charity website as well as consideration of appropriate conferences and scientific journals/publications and appropriate social media outlets.
Updated July 2026