MDI Open Call: HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme 2025/2026 Expressions of Interest
Scope of the call
MDI supports researchers and clinicians in conducting high-quality research on muscular dystrophies and associated neuromuscular conditions. As such, proposals submitted to this call should have a clear and direct relevance to one or more of these conditions.
We are now inviting expressions of interest for proposals aligned with MDI’s Research Strategy, which you can view here.
Themes include:
Research into the diagnostic process, new treatments, and therapies
Health and well-being management -(for example, exercise/fatigue/pain/psychological wellbeing)
Care pathways for neuromuscular conditions
Psychosocial and practical support for families living with neuromuscular conditions
Assistive and smart technology solutions
The role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in adult neuromuscular services in Ireland - (this may include but is not limited to research into MDT structures, access, models of care, coordination, or experiences of patients and professionals)
We encourage applicants to consider how their proposed project could align with longer-term strategic priorities and have the potential for sustained impact or future development. While there is no expectation of continuation, proposals that demonstrate a pathway toward ongoing work, translation into practice, or real-world benefit are strongly encouraged.
Funding available
The maximum funding available is €140,000 for a 12-24-month project duration.
Please note - HRB guidance notes will refer to a maximum award of €300,000 on any one project of up to 3 years’ duration. For all applications under the HRB/HRCI scheme made through MDI, an upper limit of €140,000 over 2 years applies.
Applicant Criteria
Information on the eligibility criteria of Lead Applicants, Co-Applicants and Collaborators can be found in the preliminary HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme 2026 Guidance Notes for Applicants. This document also outlines the key aims and objectives of this funding scheme. Please ensure you read it carefully before applying.
International applications
Please note that applications from researchers based in international research institutes will be considered; however, it must be clear in the application that there is no research capacity for the project in the Republic of Ireland.
Therefore, for international applications, it is strongly recommended that there are co-applicants or collaborators in the Republic of Ireland, where possible.
Application process
This is a two-stage process with an expression of interest phase, followed by an invitation to selected projects to submit full proposals to the HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme.
Applications must be made using the Expression of Interest Application Form.
Completed application forms must be sent to MDI’s Research Officer, Dympna Mulroy, via email mdiresearch@mdi.ie. Closing date for applications is midnight Wednesday, 10th September 2025.
Following peer review, a shortlist of successful applicants will be notified to submit their full application by Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
Changes to Full Application Process: Please note that Full Applications must be submitted directly by lead applicants to the HRB via the online Grant E-Management System (GEMS). This is different to previous years. Please read the HRCI-HRB 2026 Guidance Notes for Applicants before applying.
Timelines
Below is the timeframe for the award.
Relevant Documents
HRCI-HRB Joint Funding Scheme 2026 Guidance Notes for Applicants – please read these carefully before submitting an application.
HRCI website – This has information on the HRCI/HRB Joint Funding Scheme and additional resources.
HRB website – Information on the Joint Funding Scheme will be posted shortly.
MDI Expression of Interest Application Form - please return completed form to mdiresearch@mdi.ie
MDI Research Strategy - the proposed research should align with MDI’s Research Strategy.
Contact
If you have any questions or require further information on this call, please contact our Research Officer, Dympna Mulroy, by emailing mdiresearch@mdi.ie