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Nuffield Foundation to extend application deadlines

Social wellbeing funder says its priority is to support staff, grant-holders and students amid Covid-19

The Nuffield Foundation, which funds research on social wellbeing, has said it will extend some grant application deadlines in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement published on 23 March, the funder, which encompasses the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory and the Ada Lovelace Institute, said its priority was to support staff, grant-holders and those who participate in its student programmes, as well as to fund research related to the pandemic.

The foundation is currently evaluating fast-track applications for research projects related to the pandemic and its social consequences that will be undertaken in the coming weeks.

“This immediate opportunity is now closed, but in the coming months, we are encouraging applications for research to address the huge social challenges and historical consequences of the pandemic,” said the funder’s chief executive Tim Gardham.

He added the foundation was keen to give applicants for all of its grants the “time they need to prepare proposals in light of the fundamental changes to our society” and will “publish an updated timetable shortly”.

He added that the funder would continue its assessment process of “all funding applications currently underway, including outline applications submitted by last week’s deadline”.

“However,” Gardham said, “we are mindful that applicants may wish to reconsider their proposals in light of the pandemic and are encouraging them to adjust and resubmit should that be the case.”

He urged anyone whose research is affected by the outbreak to get in touch at the earliest opportunity: “We will endeavour to be flexible wherever possible and to respond promptly to all enquiries.”

While the foundation’s face-to-face events have been cancelled until further notice, Gardham said they would “explore ways we can continue to convene our audiences, and to engage them with our work”.