Enabling Access to Cardiovascular Data for Early-Stage Research
The Secure Data Access Catalytic Fund (SDACF) is a funding scheme designed to support researchers in accessing secure, linked cardiovascular datasets to advance feasibility work, pilot analyses, and early-stage project development. The scheme is designed to remove data-access barriers, supporting preliminary findings that will help strengthen future funding bids.
The SDACF supports projects aligned with the Network’s key strategic areas:
- Tackling Arrhythmias and Myocardial Disease
- Vascular Ageing and Clinical Outcome
- Cardiovascular Data and Advanced Analytics
The SDACF welcomes applications from NCRN members working in Welsh Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), NHS, or social care organisations. The fund has a strong emphasis on collaboration and support for early career researchers. Successful applicants are expected to use the preliminary findings generated to develop a competitive funding application within 12 months.
Eligibility
- Researchers in HEIs, NHS or social care in Wales of any career stage (with early career applicants particularly encouraged) who are also members of the NCRN
Examples of what the SDACF will fund
- Data access costs for Trusted Research Environments (TREs) or biobanks (such as SAIL Databank)
- Staff time for activities enabling work with secure data
- NCRN analyst support time (please discuss with the NCRN team in advance of application)
Funding Available
There is a total of £15,000 available and it is anticipated this will support 2-3 projects. Project duration should not exceed 12 months.
How to apply
Submit a signed application to the NCRN Operations Team at [email protected]. Please read the funding guidance carefully and feel free to reach out to our Operations Team at [email protected] if you have any questions. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 12th February 2026 at 5pm.
Enabling Access to Cardiovascular Data for Early-Stage Research
The Secure Data Access Catalytic Fund (SDACF) is a funding scheme designed to support researchers in accessing secure, linked cardiovascular datasets to advance feasibility work, pilot analyses, and early-stage project development. The scheme is designed to remove data-access barriers, supporting preliminary findings that will help strengthen future funding bids.
The SDACF supports projects aligned with the Network’s key strategic areas:
- Tackling Arrhythmias and Myocardial Disease
- Vascular Ageing and Clinical Outcome
- Cardiovascular Data and Advanced Analytics
The SDACF welcomes applications from NCRN members working in Welsh Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), NHS, or social care organisations. The fund has a strong emphasis on collaboration and support for early career researchers. Successful applicants are expected to use the preliminary findings generated to develop a competitive funding application within 12 months.
Eligibility
- Researchers in HEIs, NHS or social care in Wales of any career stage (with early career applicants particularly encouraged) who are also members of the NCRN
Examples of what the SDACF will fund
- Data access costs for Trusted Research Environments (TREs) or biobanks (such as SAIL Databank)
- Staff time for activities enabling work with secure data
- NCRN analyst support time (please discuss with the NCRN team in advance of application)
Funding Available
There is a total of £15,000 available and it is anticipated this will support 2-3 projects. Project duration should not exceed 12 months.
How to apply
Submit a signed application to the NCRN Operations Team at [email protected]. Please read the funding guidance carefully and feel free to reach out to our Operations Team at [email protected] if you have any questions. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 12th February 2026 at 5pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, limited NCRN analyst support can be requested, but it must be discussed with the NCRN team before you submit your application. Analyst time is intended for essential tasks related to secure data access, such as helping with data extraction, cohort creation, or initial wrangling within a Trusted Research Environment. It is not designed for full project delivery or extensive analysis. Availability is limited, so applicants should confirm feasibility early and provide a clear justification for any analyst time requested in the budget section.
You do not need full TRE approval before submitting your application, but you should demonstrate that you have scoped the requirements and developed a realistic plan for gaining access within the project timeframe. The NCRN team can support you in creating timelines and advising on data access processes.
Yes, applicants may draw on additional institutional resources or complementary funding opportunities. While matched funding is not essential, it can strengthen your application if it helps demonstrate feasibility and value for money.
Successful applicants are expected to spend all funds within the award duration and submit a competitive application to a major funding organisation within twelve months of completing the preliminary activities.
Applications will be reviewed by the NCRN Grants Funding Panel, which includes members of the NCRN Leadership Team, university and NHS partners, and people with lived experience such as patients and members of the public. Proposals will be assessed on relevance and fit with NCRN aims, feasibility within the timeframe and budget, potential for impact on future funding, collaborative potential, and value for money.
Funding decisions will be announced by Tuesday 31 March 2026.