The ESRC, in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are pleased to invite applications for cross disciplinary proposals on the topic of behaviour relating to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

This call will address theme 4 of the cross-Research Council initiative (MRC website) on AMR: ‘Behaviour within and beyond the health care setting’. Through this call, we aim to expand understanding of how the behaviour of public, professionals and organisations impacts on AMR: how it can enhance or control the spread of AMR; how it is affected by social, psychological and organisational context, cultures and history; and how it can be influenced to create different future scenarios. 

We use a broad definition of behaviour, including understanding the underlying determinants of behaviour and behaviour change, and factoring in cultural, organisational and individual-level influences. Recognising that infection control needs to be addressed both nationally and internationally, this call enables both UK and globally focused research.

For those looking for a social science partner here is a workshop being hosted by the Veterinary Medicines Agency on June 10th: Tackling antimicrobial resistances: VMD workshop 

ESRC will accept two types of proposal: 

Small scale pump priming grants - maximum of £250,000 at 100 per cent FEC for up to 24 months. These grants will be primarily for research relevant to the needs of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Deadline: 16.00 on 20 July 2016
Large scale collaborative grants - maximum of £2 million at 100 per cent FEC for up to 48 months. These grants will be open to proposals focusing on the UK or global settings. Deadline: 16.00 on 8 September 2016

All proposals should be highly collaborative and have a strong focus on real world impact. Research proposals relevant to humans or animals are welcomed. This call includes a significant proportion of funding from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). GCRF forms part of the UK's Official Development Assistance commitment, and will be awarded in a manner that fits with Official ODA guidelines.

How to Apply

ESRC will manage the application process on behalf of all funders. All proposals must be submitted through the Research Councils’ Joint Electronic Submissions (Je-S) system and detailed guidance about how to apply is provided below.

Expression of Interest

We request that those considering applying for a large scale collaborative grant submit an expression of interest (EoI), using the short online form by 27 July 2016. It is not a requirement to submit an EoI but we strongly encourage this.

For more information please see the ESRC website: Tackling antimicrobial resistance: behaviour within and beyond the healthcare setting