The longitudinal population studies strategic advisory panel (LPS-SAP) is on hold while the Medical Research Council (MRC) reviews its approach and processes for funding longitudinal population studies (LPS). This review is expected to conclude by the end of 2025.
During the review, MRC will only accept applications for core infrastructure support for existing LPS with previous MRC support. Funding requests should be limited to the essential costs for:
- cohort maintenance and preservation
- the sharing of LPS data and samples
Costs for pilot research and enhancements will not be considered at this time.
Applying for funding for a population cohort
LPS applications should only include funding requests for the essential core and infrastructure costs of LPS of human health.
Applications will be assessed based on:
- strategic need
- the study’s added value
- the appropriateness of the design
We will take into account of the existing landscape and MRC priorities, including maximising the impact of UK population health studies.
You must speak to the programme manager for population cohorts at least six weeks before the outline submission deadline to confirm the eligibility of your application.
Email populationcohorts@mrc.ukri.org to express your interest and arrange a call.
Outlines should be prepared following the MRC LPS outline application template and should be no more than six pages of A4 in length.
When you do not need to submit an outline application
You do not need to submit an outline application if:
- you wish to apply for research that will use an existing LPS
- your study involves participants from a group with a specific disease or condition (for example, a clinical cohort)
You should instead submit your full application or research proposal directly to the relevant MRC research board or funding opportunity.
Deadline
Email your outline to populationcohorts@mrc.ukri.org by 4:00pm UK time on the day of the deadline.
An interim application template was introduced in June 2025. Ensure that you use this template until further notice.
The outline submission deadlines are 4:00pm UK time on the following dates:
- 20 August 2025
- 17 December 2025
- 1 April 2026
What happens after you submit your outline application
You will be notified if you have been invited to submit a full application shortly after the relevant research board meeting, and this may be submitted to any of the three subsequent board deadlines.
See details of deadlines and research board meetings.
You need to inform the relevant MRC research board programme manager of the deadline you intend to submit your full application to.
You are asked to note that:
- the invitation to submit a full application expires after three subsequent board deadlines, whereupon a new outline submission will be required
- you cannot resubmit rejected applications for three subsequent board deadlines
- costs for the full application should not be significantly different (no more than 10% increase) to those described in the outline, unless this has been agreed in advance (for example, if costs have changed after board feedback)
Ask a question about LPS-SAP
Email: populationcohorts@mrc.ukri.org
We aim to respond within two working days.
Last updated: 10 July 2025