Research Grant Awards
ASPiH invites members to apply for funding to support innovative projects that advance simulation-based education and practice.
Two awards of £2,500 are available. This call prioritises initiatives that align with ASPiH’s strategic vision and deliver meaningful impact at both system and community levels.
Scope of Funding
Given the scale of the award, ASPiH recognises that this funding may contribute to a discrete element of a larger project rather than supporting a full programme of research.
Applicants should clearly describe:
• the specific component of work that this funding will support;
• how this component fits within a wider project (if applicable); and
• the value and contribution of this element to the overall aims.
Priority Areas
Applications must align with at least one of ASPiH strategic objectives of :
(i) connecting and aligning the simulation ecosystem; (ii) influencing system-level priorities; or (iii) energising and empowering the simulation community.
We are in are particularly interested in applications that address one or more of the following priority areas:
- System Impact: Research that explores how simulation contributes to change across healthcare systems, including service delivery, patient experience, leadership, decision-making, and organisational or cultural /system-level improvements.
- Workforce Development: Research that investigate how simulation supports healthcare workforce development, including capacity building, training effectiveness, wellbeing, retention, and professional development.
- Strengthening the Simulation Community: Research that advances collaboration, shared learning, and the development of simulation practice across organisations, professions, and sectors, including approaches that improve connectivity, dissemination, and alignment.
Eligibility
The main applicant must be a member of ASPiH and remain so for the duration of the grant.
Application Process
Applications are open from 15 June until 15 August 2026.
Applications must include:
- Applicant details.
- A project lay summary (<1,200 characters, ~200 words).
- A description of how the project aligns with ASPiH priority areas (<1,200 characters, ~200 words).
- A description of the proposed work and its methodological approach (<7,000 characters, ~1000 words).
- A description of any ethical, intellectual property, or data protection considerations (<1,200 characters, ~200 words).
- Research timeline and key milestones (<1,200 characters, ~200 words).
- A detailed budget breakdown (<1,200 characters, ~200 words).
- Applications for pilot studies, feasibility work, or defined components of larger projects are welcomed.
Applications must be submitted via the online application form (open June 15). Applications submitted by email or through any other means will not be considered.
The ASPiH Executive Committee will appoint a panel to review applications. Successful applicants will be announced at the ASPiH 2026 Conference (Harrogate, UK, 25–27 November). Funds will be available from November 2026. Awards must be claimed within one year of notification and funds must be spent by 30 June 2027.
A brief report of no more than three pages must be submitted within one year of the award being granted, outlining the main outcomes achieved and providing a justification for the use of funds.
Assessment Criteria and Weighting
Applications will be assessed by an expert review panel using the following criteria:
1. Alignment with ASPiH strategic objectives and priority areas (20%)
Clear alignment with ASPiH’s strategic objectives; strong fit with a priority area.
2. Quality and rigour of the project design (30%)
Clear aims, research questions, and methodology; appropriate and proportionate design for the scope of work proposed.
3. Potential impact (20%)
Potential to contribute to healthcare practice, education, or policy; relevance to system-level challenges; contribution to the evidence base; potential for scalability or sustainability.
4. Innovation and originality (10%)
Novelty of the idea or approach; clear advancement beyond existing knowledge or practice.
5. Feasibility and deliverability (10%)
Realistic timeline and milestones; appropriate expertise; feasibility.
6. Budget and value for money (10%)
Clear and justified budget; appropriate use of funds; value for money.
In the event of closely scored applications, preference will be given to projects demonstrating stronger alignment with ASPiH strategic priorities.
Further Information
For further information or to discuss a potential proposal
