The usual practice of the Department’s National Institute for Health Research and of the Medical Research Council (MRC) is not to ring-fence funds for expenditure on particular topics. Research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. Both organisations welcome applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals submitted.
The researchers who lead the MDEX Consortium have received funding from the Department and the MRC. They are aware of the public funding routes open to them and how to apply for support for any proposals they have for further research.