Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research

The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research, founded in 1965 by Mathilda and Terence Kennedy and registered as a charity in 1970, is a specialist funder dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of musculoskeletal, rheumatic, inflammatory, and immunological diseases. Originating from personal experience with rheumatoid arthritis and the establishment of the world's first dedicated rheumatic disease research institute (now the Kennedy Institute at the University of Oxford), the Trust emphasises scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and translating basic discoveries into clinical therapies. Its distinctive approach prioritises sustained investment in world-class UK research, nurturing talent, and fostering spin-outs for commercialisation, while maintaining deep ties to the Kennedy Institute alongside national expansion.

It funds basic, translational, and clinical research into rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthropathies), musculoskeletal disorders, and overlapping inflammatory/immune conditions, supporting discovery projects, innovative platforms, intellectual property development, and new therapies. Key programmes include Senior Research Fellowships, Transition Fellowships for early-career scientists, Research Ignition Awards for pump-priming, and PhD/MB-PhD studentships, targeting talented UK academic researchers and interdisciplinary teams at universities with strong inflammation science records.

Eligible applicants are UK research institutions (universities, medical schools, NHS centres) demonstrating international competitiveness; individuals apply via institutional nomination. No income thresholds apply, but small non-research charities are ineligible. Grants range from £100,000 (Ignition Awards, 1-2 years) to £1.5-2 million (Senior Fellowships, 5 years), covering salaries, direct costs, limited equipment/overheads. Applications follow two-stage processes (EOI then full) for fixed annual schemes—next EOI deadline 5 December 2024 for Transition Fellowships—with 7-9 month timelines; no rolling or ad hoc submissions. Exclusions include direct patient care, core costs, and general overheads, distinguishing the Trust's laser-focus on high-impact, translational research over routine support.