UCL-AIIMS-IITD trilateral call for collaborative research in medical technologies

UCL academics can now apply for funding through a new trilateral call between UCL, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

UCL academics can apply for up to £5000 (Stream A – one year duration) and £20,000 (Stream B, £10,000 per annum for a two year project) as part of a new trilateral funding call between UCL, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
Projects will enable teams of researchers across all three institutions to co-develop medical technologies that can be made affordable, accessible and available to those who need them.

Projects

i)    This call invites research proposals in areas of mutual interest and complementarity that strengthen partnership between AIIMS, IITD and UCL, drawing on the institutional strengths.
ii)    Proposals must include participants from all three institutions; be interdisciplinary in nature (for example, involving engineering, natural sciences and clinical elements as well as other disciplines such as the social sciences); demonstrate a pathway to impact either in industry or societal impact and/or policy; and focus on sustainable development goals.
iii)    Projects that involve undertaking research in government restricted zones or borders are excluded from the call unless governmental clearances have been obtained.
iv)    Proposals are sought in two thematic areas: 

• Digital Health & Imaging    
• Devices & Implants 

v)    The scheme focuses on two distinct calls for proposals. These are classified as:

• Short-term Projects (Stream A): Project duration is one year. These focus on early Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 1-3) and may be more exploratory in nature akin to a pathfinder project, helping you establish your consortia and project idea, including early development work where appropriate and where finances allow
• Long-term Projects (Stream B): Project duration is two years. These focus on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 3 and above) and help to accelerate progression through the TRLs.

The TRL levels and definitions are provided in the guidance document. 

Eligibility

Applications are open to current AIIMS, IITD and UCL employees with the following roles: 

It does not extend to honorary or visiting faculty at any of the three institutions. 

Value and duration

There are two distinct calls for proposals. These are classified as:

• Stream A: Project duration is one year
• Stream B: Project duration is two years

Specific details for each of these two tracks (Stream A and Stream B) are presented below.
 

Timeline

How to apply

i)    The application form should be prepared jointly and uploaded by the lead UCL applicant to the online application portal by Tuesday 27th May 2025, 6:00pm UK time, 10.30pm Indian Standard Time.
ii)    It is vital that AIIMS, IITD and UCL Principal Investigators are in full agreement on all aspects of the proposal prior to formal submission which must have institutional approval (e.g., departmental head sign-off). Do ensure that all project costs are provided for consideration.

Key links

Jot Form

Applicant Guidance

Application Form

Contacts

For any clarification points or questions about the joint call, please do not hesitate to contact the colleagues listed below: