The Learning Curve is delighted to launch a new Education and Research Grant Programme.

The Learning Curve is an educational initiative, funded by Cow & Gate and Milupa Aptamil, dedicated to improving knowledge and good practise in the field of paediatrics.

We are frequently approached by healthcare professionals and academics seeking sponsorship towards educational development. The Learning Curve recognise the importance of investing in this area, therefore we have introduced a formal system of applying for educational grants / awards.

Who can apply for a grant?

Applications are invited from all healthcare professionals including paediatricians; dietitians; health visitors; midwives and other specialities/ academics.

Which areas of education and research fall within a grant's remit?

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Feeding, nutrition, development and health of Infants and toddlers (from birth to 36 months of age)
• Of particular interest to the programme is the development of the immune response, childhood allergies, special care and premature birth.

What might a grant help to pay for?

• Transport, accommodation and registration costs to attend and/or present at study days, symposia and conferences
• Organisation costs for a particular educational event. (Please indicate if stand space would be available)
• The purchase of relevant educational materials for yourself or for use with parents
• The cost of additional training
• PhD or MSc annual costs
• The cost of relevant desk, laboratory or clinical research.
• Any other relevant projects that fall within the grant programme's remit.

Please Note: Grants are not available for full scale clinical trials. Applications for specific research grants are welcomed by the Nutricia Foundation. For more information look at the Nutricia foundation website at www.nutricia-research-foundation.org

Are there any strings attached to the grants?

These are educational grants. Receipt of them does not imply in any way that you endorse the products or activities of Nutricia Ltd (our parent company), Cow & Gate or Milupa Aptamil.

However, we do ask that all applicants register on our database of potential speakers for future study days or authors for future educational articles. This simply means that our grants programme can benefit the wider Healthcare community. Of course it also means that your work becomes known to a much bigger audience than it was before.

Do we publicise who we award our grants to?

Historically we have responded to requests for funding/sponsorship on a case by case basis - our support for academics and healthcare professionals is nothing new.

All applicants should be aware that at the end of 2007 we will publish a list of all projects and individuals that we have sponsored throughout the year. This will be made available on The Learning Curve website.

Equally in the interests of transparency, we ask that all recipients of the grants acknowledge receipt of the funding.

How often are grants awarded?

Applications are invited throughout the year. Grants are awarded at four points throughout the year: March, June, September and December.

The grant awards are paid by cheque, and decided by a panel of judges consisting of: Head of Scientific Affairs, Professional Relations Manager and Senior Nutritionist (State Registered Dietitian).

How to apply

Please complete our on-line Grant Application Form or download and complete the Grant Application Form here and send to: Helen Crichton, Nutricia Ltd, White Horse Business Park, Newmarket Ave, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0XQ