Novel Approaches to Research Funding Spurred by COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic forced researchers and funding organizations to think outside of the box when soliciting, applying for, and funding health services research. A new ParadigmProject paper looks at the novel approaches leveraged during the pandemic, which could provide a roadmap for shifting the HSR paradigm to more rapidly fund timely research.

Innovative Funding Models During COVID-19

This Horizon Scan builds on the previous report “Innovating in the Research Funding Process: Peer Review Alternatives and Adaptations” to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated innovations in coordinated, targeted, timely HSR funding.

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The COVID-19 pandemic brought into sharp focus the importance of research and scientific advancement in modern society. With the need for research clear and urgent, funders took innovative approaches to direct funds to crucial activities more quickly and effectively. Though crucial in this current context, these new models for funding might also offer lasting insights on ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of HSR funding, including:

Public engagement and crowdfunding
Flexibility in use of funding and resources
Adapting application and decision processes to ‘fast-track’ funding
Prizes
Coordination and access of research resources