Better Methods Better Research

The aim of Better Methods, Better Research (BMBR) is to ensure optimal research methods are being used to advance biomedical, health and care focused research, policy and delivery across the UK. Funding is available for research that develops and delivers ways to improve the research methods being used by others.

Scope

The BMBR Programme is a partnership, co-funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the NIHR.

BMBR aims to improve efficiency, quality and impact across biomedical, health and care related research within MRC and NIHR remit. The programme supports methodology research that will improve the methods used by others.

Methodology research maximises benefits for researchers, patients and the general population. It also ensures health and social care research and policy are built on the best possible evidence.

To fulfil these aims, methodology development or improvement supported by BMBR must:

underpin an evidenced research need within MRC or NIHR remit
be able to be generalised beyond a single case study
demonstrate early engagement with a broad range of end users for developed methodology
improve best practice, and evidence a pathway to implementation and sustainable impact
demonstrate awareness of current gaps in the translation of methodological research

To achieve its objectives, BMBR works with organisations to identify methodological needs. These include emerging and current needs. BMBR also ensures the methodologies developed are taken up by others and add value to research.

Standing partners providing input into the programme include:

Additional stakeholders are consulted as required to support emerging priority areas. For example, the National Advisory Group on Clinical Audit and Enquiries.

What we fund

Better Methods, Better Research (BMBR) funds the development of generalisable methods that underpin research. This includes biomedical, health and social care research.

These methods must be applicable beyond a single case study or research question. They need to be applicable as they are, without significant modification. Methodology research should also be developed with end-user engagement.

What we do not fund

The following are not eligible for funding through BMBR:

development or improvement of methods that are not generalisable beyond a single application, location or team
applications of existing methods to address research questions. This includes novel questions or novel applications
development or improvement of exclusively lab-based methods, including assay development
generation or refinement of cellular or animal models
protocol development or improvement for existing methods
digital/data platform or resource development. This includes app or software development, where it is the sole focus of the proposed work
guidance development without associated primary methodology research. However, we are considering options for supporting this type of work in future
technology development
specific biomarker identification and validation

New methodological approaches that are essential for implementation or uptake of new technologies or biomarkers will be considered.

Past projects, outcomes and impact

Awarded BMBR grants

See project details in Gateway to Research (search on project reference codes from the awarded grants spreadsheet)

Applying

Who is eligible to apply

To be eligible to apply for BMBR funding opportunities you must:

be a researcher employed by an eligible research organisation
show that you will direct the project and be actively engaged in the work
focus your application on biomedical, health and social care research methods

If you do not have a contract of employment for the duration of the proposed project, you can still apply. However, by submitting an application you are confirming certain conditions. These dictate that, if your proposal is successful, your research organisation agrees to:

your contract being extended beyond the end date of the project
all necessary support for you and the project being provided. This includes mentorship and career development for early career researchers

We recognise the diversity of skills necessary for a successful research team. We therefore encourage applications to recognise the contribution of technical professionals.

International applicants

You can include project co-leads affiliated with an international research organisation. They must, however, offer expertise not available in the UK. They must also make a major contribution to the design or conduct of the project. You must justify why their expertise is required.

Our people

The BMBR funding committee is chaired by Professor Marion Campbell.

The BMBR guidance portal represents a central collection of MRC-NIHR endorsed resources. These can help to implement best practice in biomedical, health and care research. Resources developed are all approved by the BMBR panel as informing the forefront of methodological practice.

Contact us

You are encouraged to contact us ahead of developing an application to ensure your proposed work is within remit. Please include a one to two page project summary that covers background, key objectives and research plan (including dissemination activities).

Email: BMBR@nihr.ac.uk

See our BMBR funding opportunity