It is important as an applicant and research office that you check the application prior to submission to ensure it is completed correctly and that all necessary documents have been provided.
Read our grant application checklist: 8 checks to do before you submit.
We encourage any applicant who is unsure of their application to contact the relevant MRC programme manager before submitting.
Common mistakes made in applications that may cause issues after submission include:
- attachments over permitted page length (for example CV, publication list, case for support, justification of resources)
- CV and publications uploaded as one attachment
- missing CV for researcher named on grant
- letter of support not dated
- letter of support not signed
- letter of support for human tissue use not provided (see ethics and approvals section)
- publishing or open access cost requested
- equipment costs requested at 100%, with no justification
- equipment broken down into component parts to avoid £10,000 limit
- unauthorised attachments (for example Gantt chart in separate document rather than in case for support)
- track changes on document
- insufficient animal use justification
- missing information about the sex of animals, tissues or cells to be used
- new investigator research grants (NIRG) research organisation letter of support does not include salary details
- NIRG CV not on template
- Industry Collaboration Framework form or company partner letter of support missing (for funding opportunities opening after 27 April 2022)
In some circumstances where we think information essential to making good funding decisions is missing we may return an application, but in most cases your application will go through to peer review as it has been submitted.