After a successful debut in 2023, the Association for British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) is thrilled to announce the return of the Diabetes ‘Dragons' Den funding scheme’. This initiative offers junior doctors, consultants, and healthcare professionals a unique opportunity to secure funding for innovative projects in diabetes care.

 

A Platform for Groundbreaking Ideas

The Diabetes Dragons' Den is designed to support fresh, clinically relevant ideas that can significantly improve diabetes care. It’s a chance for NHS clinicians to turn their creative concepts into practical solutions, with a focus on projects that can make a real impact in the UK.

 

Who Should Apply?

The scheme is open to junior doctors, consultants, and healthcare professionals up to five years post-Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), who have not previously received grant funding. Applicants should typically hold a clinical post within the UK, and the research must be conducted at a UK institution.

 

Success Stories from 2023

Emma Johns, a 2023 awardee from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, shared her experience:

"We are delighted to receive this recognition and support from ABCD and the Dragons. This is hugely beneficial to us as doctors approaching the end of our training, who may soon become involved in the design of diabetes services working as consultants."

Emma’s project, like many others funded through this scheme, highlights the tangible impact this opportunity can have on both individual careers and the broader field of diabetes care.

 

Why Apply?

The Diabetes Dragons' Den offers more than just funding—it's a chance to be part of a community dedicated to advancing diabetes care. Successful applicants will gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and the satisfaction of seeing their ideas come to life.

 

Funding criteria

• This fund is for small clinically relevant projects relating to education, research and quality improvement.
• Grants will be for a maximum of £10,000 to be used within 2 years. The term can be extended with the permission of the ABCD Grant committee.
• Successful applicants will have to acknowledge ABCD and DCT in all outputs including publications and presentations.
• Awardees will be required to present the results at the ABCD annual conference and publish an aspect of their work in the British Journal of Diabetes.

 

How to apply

To apply, record a video of up to 120 seconds, that outlines your proposal, you do not need to prepare any slides, however, in your video you will need to clearly state the following:

• The problem your project addresses
• Project aims
• Timeline
• Budget
• Expected outcomes
• Share your video with ABCD via WhatsApp - send to 07904 889009.

 

Submit your video application by 5:00pm on Friday 4th October 2024.

Those shortlisted will be invited to present their proposal virtually to our 'Diabetes Dragons' and to answer questions from the panel.

Funding application timeline

• Stage one video application closes - 4th October 2024
• Stage one applicants shortlisted - October/November 2024
• Stage two proposal presentation - 29th November 2024
• Stage two applicants notified of outcome - Mid December 2024

 

Applications are now open. Your innovative idea could shape the future of diabetes care—take the first step today. To learn more and apply follow this link: https://abcd.care/dragons-den