Dental professionals, practices, and academic researchers across the UK are being invited to apply for funding through the MPS Foundation’s 2026 grant programme.
Launched in 2022, the MPS Foundation sits alongside Dental Protection as part of the wider Medical Protection Society. The global not-for-profit research initiative funds research addressing key challenges facing dentistry, including workforce pressures, mental wellbeing, human factors in practice, digital innovation, and improvements in dental education and training.
The MPS Foundation has supported more than 60 medical and dental research projects worldwide. Funded initiatives include a project examining the potential for an AI-supported dental record self-auditing process.
The Foundation is inviting applications for research that strengthens the wellbeing of dental professionals and teams, enhances patient safety in dental care settings, and supports evidence-based improvements in clinical practice. Grants of up to £200,000 are available, depending on the ambition, scope, and duration of the proposal. Smaller, practice-based studies are also encouraged, with previous awards as little as £2,500.
Applications are open to both members and non-members in regions where MPS operates, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and South Africa. Joint applications between UK-based researchers and international partners are welcomed, particularly where shared learning can enhance patient safety and clinician wellbeing across healthcare systems.
Research projects should be academically robust, evidence-based and focused on at least one of the MPS Foundation’s four strategic priorities:
- the impact of human factors on patient safety, outcomes and risk
- the personal and professional wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams
- the impact of digital integration and technology on patient safety, outcomes and risk
- evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching and learning innovations
Professor Gozie Offiah, MPS Foundation Chair, said: “We are proud of our record in funding over 60 projects in areas that have been historically underfunded, from supporting the mental health of medical professionals to exploring the application of innovative technologies in patient care.
“The MPS Foundation is committed to funding original, evidence-based research and we are pleased to welcome applications for our 2026 grant programme. Since our launch, our aim has been to support those leading improvements in patient safety and clinician wellbeing, and we particularly welcome proposals with outcomes that can be applied in the dental sector.
“If you have an idea grounded in real-world practice and a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and join our growing community of grant recipients. We also offer a range of resources and support to help applicants throughout the process.”
Applicants can register their interest and apply by visiting www.thempsfoundation.org and entering their details via the online grant portal. Calls for expressions of interest close at 1700 BST on Friday 1 May 2026.
The MPS Foundation will also run a series of online Q&A clinics to explain the application process and provide tips on what makes a successful application. The booking form for these clinics can be found on The MPS Foundation Grant Portal. The team will also be on hand to answer any questions about the process.
END
For media queries contact: E: [email protected]
FAQs can be found at: FAQs
About MPS Foundation
The MPS Foundation invests in research, analysis, education and training which enables medical and dental practitioners around the world to provide better care for their patients and improve their own wellbeing. The MPS Foundation is part of The Medical Protection Society Limited (MPS), the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals with 130 years of global healthcare experience and expertise supporting more than 350,000 doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals worldwide.