Research governance and policies
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Eczema UK is committed to funding and supporting high-quality research through processes that are fair, transparent, independent and focused on improving the lives of people affected by eczema.
Our research governance framework sets out the principles, policies and procedures that guide how we identify research priorities, award funding, manage conflicts of interest and oversee the research we support.
These arrangements help ensure that Eczema UK research funding is managed responsibly and that funding decisions are made through appropriate independent expert review.
Our approach to research governance
Our research programme is guided by our Research Strategy, which sets out our research priorities and ambitions.
Research funding is awarded through a competitive process. Eczema UK staff undertake administrative eligibility and compliance checks, while assessment of scientific quality and merit is undertaken through independent expert review and our Grant Advisory Panel.
The Eczema UK Board of Trustees provides governance and financial oversight of the research programme. The Board formally ratifies funding recommendations made through the Grant Advisory Panel but does not re-score applications or alter their scientific ranking.
Our policies and procedures support this process and set expectations for everyone involved in applying for, reviewing, awarding and managing Eczema UK research funding.
Our Research Strategy
Our Research Strategy sets the direction for Eczema UK’s research programme and provides the framework within which we make decisions about research funding.
It helps us focus our resources on research that is relevant to eczema and has the potential to improve understanding, treatment, care and outcomes for people affected by the condition.
Our current Research Strategy was approved by the Eczema UK Board of Trustees and Medical Advisory Board in October 2024 and is due to be reviewed in 2027.
Expert review
We use independent expert review to assess applications for research funding.
Eligible applications are reviewed by appropriately qualified experts and considered by our Grant Advisory Panel. Scientific assessment is kept separate from the administrative eligibility and compliance checks undertaken by Eczema UK staff.
Eczema UK Research Funding Expert Review Policy sets out the principles and procedures governing the assessment of research funding applications.
Read our Eczema UK Research Funding Expert Review Policy
Find out how we fund research
Grant Advisory Panel
Our Grant Advisory Panel provides independent assessment of applications for Eczema UK research funding and makes funding recommendations.
Panel membership brings together relevant scientific and clinical expertise alongside lived-experience perspectives.
The Panel operates under agreed Terms of Reference covering its role, membership, responsibilities, decision-making and governance arrangements.
Conflicts of interest
We recognise that identifying and appropriately managing conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining confidence in the integrity and independence of research funding decisions.
Everyone involved in reviewing and assessing applications is required to declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. Conflicts are assessed and managed according to their nature and significance. Where a conflict would compromise an individual's independence, they do not participate in the relevant assessment, discussion, scoring or funding decision.
Our Conflict of Interest Policy explains how conflicts relating to research funding are identified, declared and managed.
Read our Conflict of Interest Policy
People affected by eczema
People affected by eczema have an important role in shaping our research programme.
We involve people with lived experience in activities including identifying research priorities and contributing to the assessment of research funding applications.
Eczema UK endorses the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) position statement on the importance of involvement in medical research.
Find out about patient and public involvement in our research.
Research involving animals
Eczema UK endorses the AMRC position statement supporting the use of animals in research and supports the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement - the 3Rs.
Where applications involve animals, researchers are required to explain how they have addressed the 3Rs. These considerations form part of the assessment undertaken through our expert review process.
Read our position on animals in research.
Managing funded research
Our governance responsibilities continue after an award has been made.
Research institutions receiving Eczema UK funding are required to comply with the conditions attached to their award. These establish the responsibilities of the grant holder and host institution and the conditions under which Eczema UK funding is provided.
We monitor funded research through our grant management and reporting processes and expect researchers and institutions to tell us about significant changes or issues affecting an award.