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The Ronald Furlong Fund

We are investing in our future movement

As one of the very few registered charities devoted to addressing the most important gaps in research funding in bone, joint and muscle wellbeing, we must always keep investing in our future movement.

The need we serve is ever-worsening: 19m people suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) problems in the UK, resulting in ever-lengthening NHS waiting lists, and the loss of 30m working days to the UK economy.

We want to use our funding to drive breakthrough research to reduce the burden on individuals, on workplaces, and our health system. We aim to support research capable of being translated into benefits for people. This is achieved by investing in academic and non-academic research within the following two areas:

  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Research with patients at its heart

The research we fund should be aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those affected by debilitating bone, joint and muscle conditions. The goal is to identify challenging areas in diagnosis and treatment, understand the underlying mechanisms involved, and develop appropriate scientific, clinical or technological solutions to address them.

The purpose of the fund

Designed to support entrepreneurs accelerate innovative and commercially viable ideas to solve the unmet needs of society around bone, joint and muscle wellbeing.

  • Must be backed by evidence-based research or developing it
  • Must be a UK-based startup and registered with Companies House
  • Must have a business and financial plan
  • Funding of up to £100K
  • ORUK will ask for equity in the company and the amount will be negotiated at the final stage depending on various business factors, e.g., size, stage of development, nature of the activity, etc.

Who can apply?

Startups with passionate and driven individuals with game-changing ideas are invited to apply.

How many startups will be funded?

One (dependent on the quality and requested budget).

Supporting documents

Expression of Interest (EoI) online application form

Guidelines for researchers

When is the deadline?

The application form must be submitted by no later than Monday, 5 June 2023 at 17:00.

To Apply

Closed

Donate:

Help us continue funding research

The generosity of our donors will help us fund innovative research projects in the UK that expand knowledge, improve patient outcomes and pioneer new forms of orthopaedic treatment. Your support makes a real difference to the lives of millions of people suffering poor orthopaedic health, today and into the future.

Donate

What our community has to say

Redefining Medical Imaging and Therapeutics

ORUK has been instrumental in introducing us to people from very different backgrounds but with shared interests, whether that’s identifying clinicians who might be interested in our technology or putting us in touch with potential investors. ORUK has the credibility that eminent researchers, professors, doctors are more than happy to give me an hour or a couple of hours for a conversation around our subject area.

 

Steve Smith

CEO of Novara Therapeutics

Next generation regenerative medicine

Not only is ORUK providing funding to help us get to the next stage in our development, but it has also opened-up multiple links to industry professionals, clinicians and patient groups. This access has proven invaluable to help us understand the practical applications of our technology.

Dr Agnieszka Janeczek

Co-founder and CEO of Renovos