How much can I apply for?

In the 2023 round of funding one larger grant of up to £20,000 will be available and a further £20,000 is available for smaller grants between £1,000 - £10,000.

What requirements are there for projects to be funded?

• The project must address a question relevant to patients and healthcare professionals as identified by the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. Applications from Low-Middle Income Countries do not need to address one of these questions, however, patient and professional support for the question must be clearly demonstrated.

• The project must, directly or indirectly seek to improve the lives of those affected by hyperemesis gravidarum, including through a better understanding of the condition or its consequences.

• The project must have patient involvement in the development of the protocol, and a clear strategy for ongoing patient involvement throughout the project.

• Projects are not limited to the UK; international researchers and organizations are encouraged to apply.

Do you fund independent researchers or individuals?

No, to be applicable you must be affiliated with a university, NHS Trust or Charity. Grant contracts will be made with the institution and funds managed by them, rather than the individual. Applicants not currently affiliated to a university are recommended to pursue an honorary contract with a relevant institution. 

Further applicant requirements:

• Applicants must have a proven track record in research and/or be a clinically active healthcare professional.

• Applicants can come from any legitimate discipline including, but not limited to: medicine, nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, psychology, biology, epidemiology, education, social sciences, data science, philosophy.

• Applicants must be affiliated with one host institution for contracting purposes. Institutions are ideally universities, however hospital trusts, government departments, for-profit companies and registered charities are eligible. (Applicants not from a university might like to consider developing an honorary contract with one for the purposes of this project.)

Do I have to have patient involvement in my research design and proposal?

Yes, applications which have not sought meaningful patient engagement during development will not be considered. Ideally, there should be at least one patient representative co-applicant. Details of further patient involvement throughout the project should also be clear, and will be assessed.

Can I apply for indirect costs?

No. Like most charities, we will fund directly incurred costs and some directly allocated costs. We do not fund indirect costs. Directly allocated costs that can be applied for include salaries and equipment access costs. Applicants wishing to apply for directly allocated costs should demonstrate why each item is essential for completion of this specific project. The only exception to this is applicants from LMICs, who may request indirects of up to 10%. 

Further use of funds requirements:

• Funds may be used flexibly for start-up funding for a specific project or, in exceptional circumstances, for transition funding for an ongoing project.

• Co-funding with other sources is welcome.

• Funds may be used for direct research costs such as data collection or access, equipment, patient/participant costs, consumables and travel

• Funds may be used for some directly allocated costs, including for equipment use or salary support for the applicant or other research staff.

• Funding may not be used for indirect costs.

What is your selection process?

Bikkja Trust Grants will be made through a selection process, including:

• Eligibility checking by the Bikkja Trust team. Applications which do not meet the basic application requirements, are not within budget and without a suitable host institution will be excluded.

• External reviewers will provide the Trustees with an assessment of the scientific rigour of the proposal; depending on the number of applications a shortlist will be made

• Applications will be reviewed by the Bikkja Trust Trustees and scored on the following criteria:

  • The person/team’s expertise and professional background, and strength of the institutional support

  • The scientific quality of the project design and methods

  • The potential impact of the research on those affected by hyperemesis and/or society

  • Value for money