The BMA Foundation is a UK-registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting and advancing medical research. Operating under charity number 1192733, the foundation provides grant funding to medical students, doctors, and scientists to facilitate pioneering research projects in diverse areas of medical science.

History and Background

The BMA Foundation traces its roots to support provided by the British Medical Association (BMA) since 1839, making it the oldest medical organisation in the world to award grants and prizes aimed at encouraging medical research. In 2020, the foundation consolidated four separate registered charities—the HC Roscoe Trust Fund, the James Trust, the British Medical Association Scholarship Trust Fund, and the Joan Dawkins Fund—into one formal Charitable Incorporated Organisation under the name BMA Foundation. This restructuring unified the mission and resources to better advance health and relieve sickness for public benefit.

Mission and Vision

The foundation's mission is to support medical students, doctors, and scientists by providing funds to help them achieve their research aims and drive innovation in medical science. Its vision focuses on empowering early-stage researchers to contribute to breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes and public health resilience.

Funding and Grants

Each year, the BMA Foundation awards approximately 14 research grants totaling over £850,000. These grants cover a wide range of medical fields, including rheumatism and arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. The foundation also offers specific prizes, such as the £2,000 award recognizing initiatives that enhance HIV and sexual healthcare in the UK.

The foundation relies on donations and legacies to fund its grants, investing funds prudently to maximize the impact and longevity of its support for medical research.

Activities and Impact

Besides awarding research grants, the BMA Foundation hosts an annual awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of its grant recipients and highlight their contributions to advancing medical knowledge. Through its sustained commitment, the foundation fosters a healthier society by accelerating scientific discoveries and supporting the development of new treatments and healthcare improvements.

This summary is based on information from the BMA Foundation’s official website and relevant public charity records.

[1] https://www.bmafoundationmr.org.uk/the-foundation [2] https://www.bmafoundationmr.org.uk [3] https://www.bma.org.uk/about-us/corporate-social-environmental-responsibility/cser/our-charitable-and-community-work [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5168338 [5] https://bmafoundationwebsite-staging.azurewebsites.net/the-foundation