Pharmacy Research UK and Diabetes UK launch funding scheme for diabetes research

Pharmacy Research UK (PRUK) and Diabetes UK have joined forces to provide funding for research exploring the role of pharmacy in diabetes care.

The scheme, which was launched on 9 December 2019, is part of Diabetes UK’s project grant round, and specifically calls for applications from researchers exploring pharmacy and diabetes.

Diabetes UK’s project grants offer awards to each successful applicant of up to £500,000 lasting up to five years, while PRUK — a charity hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society — would fund up to £50,000 towards a successful pharmacy research application.

According to PRUK, the partnership has the potential to be the largest grant it has ever been involved with.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Diabetes UK to launch this [scheme],” said Guy Parckar, chief executive of PRUK.

“Pharmacists can play a crucial role in supporting people with diabetes — from diagnosis to ongoing management. We believe that pharmacy research can play a vital role in examining and ultimately improving the health outcomes for people with diabetes.”

Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said that there was a “real opportunity” for the role of the pharmacist in diabetes care to grow.

“That’s why we are thrilled to be working with Pharmacy Research UK. Together we can build our understanding of how pharmacists could help people with diabetes, and ensure more people get the best possible care and support to live well with their condition.”

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2020.