Translational Research Application Manager (TRAM) Toolkit

Welcome to the RSS Hub Leicester and Partners Translational Research Application Manager (TRAM) Toolkit. The Toolkit has been developed as a roadmap to assist researchers navigate the many elements of an NIHR i4i PDA application to ensure they meet the funder’s requirements. Much of this content is also relevant to i4i Connect and Challenge awards and other similar translation research funding streams. Before starting your application, we recommend that you read our introduction to the TRAM Toolkit and the accompanying video.

Your Idea

What you should consider:

Innovation
Patient benefit
Strong public involvement
Clinical need
Proof of concept
Value for money
Adoption of the technology into the NHS

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Research Planning

What you should consider:

The Research Plan
Project Management
Research Question/Aims/Objectives
Public Involvement/Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Plain English Summary
Gantt Chart / Timelines
Risk Register
Project Exit Points

More information...

Project Planning

What you should consider:

Project Management
Public Involvement / Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Development Plan / Evaluation
Clinical Evaluation
Regulatory
Health Economics
Intellectual Property / Freedom to Operate
Implementation / Adoption / Commercialisation
Finance

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Impact

What you should consider:

What are the outputs
What is your impact, knowledge mobilisation/exchange strategy

More information...

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Introduction

The aim of translational research funding (eg NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme) is to de-risk early-stage projects that have a strong potential for commercialisation and acceptance for use in the NHS, making them attractive to follow-on funders and investors. Funding is for collaborative research projects that have demonstrated proof-of-concept and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation and show clear patient benefit.

Translational research funding is for:

Medical devices
In vitro diagnostics
High-impact patient-focused digital health technologies for ultimate NHS use

Key Eligibility Criteria

Projects can be led by small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SME), NHS providers, or higher education institutions (HEI)
Projects must be collaborative between any two of the eligible types of organisation
Projects can last a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 36 months
The lead organisation must be registered in England

Acknowledgments

This toolkit was produced by Roy Harris of Research Support Service Leicester and Partners with support from Health Innovation East Midlands (HIEM) and The Centre for Healthcare Equipment & Technology Adoption (CHEATA)

Created: February 2023

Updated: October 2024