UK 2026: Public, Patient and Community Involvement and Engagement Awards (Deadline: Varies)

Applications are now open for the Public, Patient and Community Involvement and Engagement Awards at the University of Exeter. Funded through the Vivensa Foundation Excellence Award, this scheme offers £500 to early and mid-career researchers in the field of ageing or age-related diseases.

Eligibility for the awards is limited to early and mid-career researchers in the UK who are members of the Vivensa Foundation Academy. Applicants must be based in a university, NHS, or local authority setting and should not already have access to engagement or inclusion funding through other grants or fellowships. The awards support inclusive and participatory research by encouraging collaboration with patients, the public, and communities.

The Vivensa Foundation is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and leadership in health and ageing. It supports initiatives that promote inclusion, equity, and community involvement, helping researchers and organizations create meaningful impact in ageing-related fields.

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Exeter, funded by the Vivensa Foundation

• Department: PenARC (NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula)

• Course Level: Early and mid-career researcher development (non-degree award

• Award: £500 per successful application

• Access Mode: Online application

• Number of Awards: Multiple, reviewed quarterly

• Nationality: Open to UK-based researchers

• The award can be taken in the: United Kingdom

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: United Kingdom

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The award will support research in ageing or ageing-related diseases in any relevant field.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be early or mid-career researchers.

  • Be members of the Vivensa Foundation Academy (free membership available).

  • Not have access to engagement or inclusion funding from other grants or fellowships.

  • Be based in a UK university, NHS, or local authority setting.

How to Apply

Applicants must provide details of their host organisation and finance contact. The outcome will be communicated within one month of each deadline. Open to early and mid-career researchers who are members of the Vivensa Foundation Academy (membership is free – apply here).

Application Deadline: 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from September 2025 to August 2026, with quarterly review deadlines on:

• 30th September 202

• 9th January 2026

• 31st March 2026

• 30th June 2026

Benefits

• Successful applicants will receive a £500 award, transferred directly to their host organisation in advance.

• The funding supports meaningful public, patient, and community involvement and engagement activities in ageing-related research.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY