New seed funding to help communities shape future health and care research
New funding is available to help community groups and researchers work together to shape future health and care research across Sussex and Surrey.
The Sussex & Surrey Research Engagement Network (SS REN), working with the Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), is offering Building Community Research Partnerships Seed Funding Awards of up to £2,000 to help community groups and researchers build partnerships.
The funding will give partners time to meet, share ideas and understand what matters to local people before applying for funding for a research project. The aim is to make future research more inclusive and relevant to the people and communities it could benefit, including those whose voices are not always heard.
Community groups and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations must apply in partnership with a researcher or research team from a separate organisation. Seven awards are expected across Sussex and Surrey, with a further two anticipated for Kent and Medway in a separate funding round planned for April 2027.
Applications for Sussex and Surrey awards must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 27 November 2026.
For questions or to discuss an idea before applying, contact Olivia Cottington at: SussexREN@bsms.ac.uk.
Find out more about the funding, who can apply and how to apply on the Brighton and Sussex Medical School webpage: Collaborate on a Health & Care research project.