The BLRS is inviting applications for a funding award to support relevant research projects. The BLRS research grant is designed to support research in clinical and pre-clinical fields of limb reconstruction, including PPIE, qualitative work, Pilot & Feasibility Studies and bio-mechanical and biological pre-clinical studies for limb reconstruction.
For 2026 we have five themes for this call:
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
- Grant Pre-Application
- Research Implementation or Impact Projects
- Small Research Projects
- Lab-Based Projects
We recommend reading the guidance document which has been designed to support applicants. Please also note that all applicants should secure host institution or lab management support prior to applying. This is to ensure that projects are appropriately costed and that time requirements are supported.
The deadline for applications is 31st August 2026.
Projects in the BLRS high priority areas will be prioritised (https://blrs.org.uk/research/priorities/).
Collaborative projects from multiple BLRS members are particularly welcome and can be facilitated through the BLRS collaborative research network.
Up to £10k of funding has been agreed by the BLRS executive. Applications will be considered by the Research committee and ranked according to score. More than one award may be given.
For full guidance details, please see the BLRS Grant Application Guidance 2026. Please find the application form at the bottom of this post.
Applications should be sent to a.trompeter@nhs.net with “BLRS grant 2026 application” in the subject line.
Download the Research Funding Application Template here.
The BLRS can provide letters of support for successful applicants if a pump priming project goes on to apply for a larger application for funding from other funding organisations.
The BLRS is pleased to announce that it is supported by the NIHR Research Delivery Network as a non-commercial partner – successful grant winners will be able to access NIHR support and have their work considered for NIHR portfolio. The main role of the NIHR RDN is to provide support for the planning and delivery of high-quality research, which benefits patients and the NHS. This includes clinical trials (e.g. prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care studies), and other well-designed health and social care research studies. The NIHR RDN provides this support through:
- The NIHR RDN Study Support Service – a standard national framework for supporting the planning and delivery of high-quality research in England
- Additional funding opportunities
- Access to relevant research delivery training, including Good Clinical Practice training
Previous successful grant applicants:
Qualitative study to answer question: What is the lived experience of patients awaiting limb reconstruction surgery?”
Lead investigator: Piers Page, Swansea Bay UHB/Swansea University
Awarded: £6k
Economic Analysis of burden of Fracture related infection.
Research question: What are the direct costs of Fracture related Infection in the NHS?
Lead Investigator: Elizabeth Tissingh, RNOH, Stanmore
Awarded: £7.2k
Pilot Study for a physiotherapy outreach for patients
Can the establishment of an ilizarov outreach service have an impact on costs and outcomes of ilizarov patients through rapid and regular access to Advanced Practice Level Physiotherapy provision in the patients’ own environment?
Lead investigator: Chris Morgan, Advanced practice physiotherapist, South Eastern Trust, Northern Ireland
Awarded: £6.8k
Integrated care in limb reconstruction: Scoping the interdisciplinary team, their skills, training, education and development needs.
Lead Investigator: Anna Timms, RNOH Stanmore
Awarded: £6.1k