Our funding and application process

How to apply for a research grant

Guidance on how to apply will be posted on this webpage when we have an active grant round. If you have a project that you would like to share with us, please email [email protected]

Grant applications are assessed by our grants committee, currently chaired by Professor Helen Ball based at Durham University, our lay panel and if necessary, with support of additional experts with particular expertise in the field of study. Applications are assessed on scientific merit and the relevance to the remit of The Lullaby Trust’s research strategy. As a proud member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), The Lullaby Trust abides by the principles of the principles of Expert Review.

Grants committee

Our grants committee review all applications for research funding. The committee initially assess applications and then submit the applications for external rigorous peer review. The Lullaby Trust abides by the peer review guidelines set by the Association of Medical Research Charities, based on the principles of accountability, balance, independent decision making, rotation of scientific advisers and impartiality.

Scientific Advisory Group

We also regularly seek advice from our team of scientific advisors. Advice is provided on emerging research findings on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), baby safety, safety of new baby products, infection prevention and other relevant infant health matters.

Lay panel

All applications for funding are seen by our lay panel, a group of people with personal experience of the sudden and unexpected death of a baby. Families remain at the heart of all we do, and ensure that the research we fund responds to the needs of bereaved families, introducing new perspectives and ideas.

Conflicts of interest

Our grants committee, Scientific Advisory Group and lay panel are asked to declare any conflicts of interest. Those with conflicts are not permitted to discuss or provide comment on those applications, papers or products. More about our conflict of interest policy can be found in the terms of reference for both the grants committee and the Scientific Advisory Group.