The ROK-UK Smart Clinical Trials Application Development Award opened last week. It is a NIHR partnership with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) to support UK and Republic of Korea (ROK) researchers working together on developing and using new tools and technologies to deliver ‘Smart’ clinical trials.
These are clinical trials that leverage innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and inclusiveness in clinical research.
ADA funding opportunity, KHIDI and NIHR have jointly committed funding in the region of £1.5million/₩2.6billion and NIHR anticipate funding up to 3 ADAs of 24 months duration with maximum funding of £500,000 / ₩860,000,000 per award (up to £250,000 provided by NIHR for UK-based researchers, and up to £250,000 provided by KHIDI for ROK-based researchers).
The ROK-UK Smart Clinical Trials ADA is open to any ROK-UK collaborative partnerships in scope of this opportunity to deepen their cooperation and provide support through:
- design/development of a smart clinical trial research protocol
- building of a multidisciplinary team
- the overcoming of operational, recruitment and/or regulatory barriers
- refinement of:
- interventions
- technologies
- methodologies
- data collection and analysis
- piloting and/or feasibility work
This award will put teams in a good position to conduct future large scale ROK-UK Smart Clinical Trials.
Applications are welcomed from interdisciplinary teams, whether newly formed or building on existing collaborations, with professional experience in Smart Clinical Trials. Teams from the UK and ROK can collaborate in areas that advance Smart Clinical Trials, including:
- AI
- wearables and the internet of things
- decentralised and virtual trials
- data integration and analytics
- digital platforms and communication tools
Applications should include clear plans for developing new research proposals and building long-term networks, taking due consideration of effective patient and public involvement and engagement, and addressing healthcare system priorities through the proposed research activities. Your application should embed inclusive research approaches across the research lifecycle which target underserved populations and reduce health inequalities. You should also demonstrate how the research will benefit these populations and contribute to their improved health outcomes.
For this funding opportunity, it is mandatory that there are 2 joint leads: 1 UK lead applicant and 1 ROK lead applicant.
The funding opportunity closes on 25th March 2026 and you can apply here.
