From left to right: Nketia Obed-Arthur, Samantha Quaye, Ola (Aleksandra) Howell Dr. Pinkie Chambers

By RPS Deputy Chief Scientist Diane Ashiru-Oredope and Research Officer, Leah Burton

Securing research funding can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly in healthcare. In our Demystifying Research Funding webinar, a panel of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers share their experiences, offering practical advice for navigating the funding landscape. Their funding successes range from £10,000 to £685,000, sourced from organisations such as NIHR, PRUK, Innovate UK, and pharmaceutical companies. They’ve also received personal awards, including NIHR fellowships, amounting to £527,000. Below, we summarise their insights on securing funding, overcoming challenges, and fostering resilience.

Finding resources and support

Navigating the funding landscape requires tapping into various resources, in particular building a robust support network is essential for research funding success. Engaging with clinical academics across disciplines, not just pharmacy, accessing research support services like NIHR-RSS, and utilising resources such as the RPS research funding opportunities hub are invaluable. Mentors and supervisors play a critical role in refining ideas, identifying funding streams, and strengthening applications.

For those new to research funding, the panel emphasised the importance of asking for help. Even experienced professionals recognise the importance of connections in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities. Networking at conferences or via social media can connect you with those who are willing to guide you. Additionally, exploring internal funding within large organisations, such as NHS hospitals, is often overlooked but can provide valuable resources for research or service evaluations. Some hospitals also have associated charities or internal funds that support these projects. A key message was don’t be discouraged by the formal grant process – sometimes, alternative funding routes are available.

Handling rejection and building resilience

Rejection is an inevitable part of the funding journey, but it also offers opportunities for growth. Panelists shared their strategies for coping, which included allowing themselves time to process disappointment, then revisiting the application with a clear mind.

Sometimes, feedback from a rejection contains valuable pointers that help secure future funding. For instance, one panel member received feedback on a large fellowship rejection, revised the proposal accordingly, and secured an even larger grant the following year.

Maintaining a realistic outlook is crucial. Going into applications with the understanding that rejection is possible builds resilience, as does keeping alternative funding avenues in mind. Research funding is not just about a single opportunity but rather an ongoing journey—one that often requires persistence and adaptability.

Moving forward after success

The moment you receive funding is one for celebration! But it is only the beginning. Panelists advised connecting with peers who have been on similar journeys and strategically planning the next steps. Starting a PhD, for example, involves completing a learning needs analysis and setting goals for the first year. The process of securing funding often opens up new networks, enhancing both personal and professional development.

For our panelists, research funding has not only fueled their academic aspirations but has also deepened their engagement in patient care. It has strengthened their skills in critical appraisal, project management, and patient communication. Being a part of a research community has inspired them, broadened their career choices, and taught them the resilience needed to advance healthcare and patient care through research. It could be the same for you, too.

If you are planning to apply to apply for funding, we provide some insights in our second blog. 

The RPS Science and Research Team provide continued support services to members across all career stages, including assistance with interviews as well as application guidance. Find out more here.

You can find brilliant examples of research and innovative practice activities colleagues across the profession are conducting through the accepted posters presented at Science & Research at the 2024 RPS Conference.

Read our second blog for more advice on applying for research funding.

Read more RPS blogs.