The new Explorer Grants, which were designed to stimulate innovative health research, have generated significant interest. The HRC received 116 full applications by the closing date towards the end of 2012.
A large number of applications for the three awards was predicted after the initial announcement was received with enthusiasm from less well-established researchers, who felt that the “blind” assessment would provide a better chance of success against better known applicants.
A multidisciplinary assessing committee (EGAC) is now being recruited with results to be published by May 2013.
The Explorer Grants closing date also marked the last of the 2013 funding round applications.