South Africa healthcare healthcare practitioners, providers and researchers are being invited to apply for funding through the MPS Foundation’s 2026 grant programme.
Launched in 2022 by Medical Protection Society, the global not-for-profit research initiative funds projects addressing some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges, including workforce well-being, patient safety risks, digital innovation, and improvements in clinical education and training.
Since its launch, the MPS Foundation has supported more than 60 medical and dental research projects worldwide, including several in South Africa. Funded local initiatives include research exploring how to build trust in non-specialist physicians providing anaesthesia care in rural settings, and a study exploring taking mediation from principle to practice.
The foundation is inviting applications for research and analysis that strengthens the well-being of healthcare professionals and teams and improves patient safety across the medical and dental professions.
Grants of up to R4.3m 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 R54 650.
Applications are open to both members and non-members in regions where MPS operates, including South Africa, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Caribbean and Bermuda.
Joint applications between South Africa-based researchers and international partners are welcomed, particularly where shared learning can enhance patient safety and clinician well-being across healthcare systems.
Research proposals must be academically robust, evidence-based, and aligned with 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 well-being of healthcare professionals and teams;
• the impact of digital integration and technology on patient safety, outcomes and risk; and
• evaluation of the effectiveness of teaching and learning innovations.
Professor Gozie Offiah, MPS Foundation Chair, said: “We are proud of our track record in funding more than 60 projects in areas that have historically been underfunded, from supporting the mental health of healthcare 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 delighted to welcome applications for our 2026 programme. We recognise the important work being undertaken by healthcare professionals in South Africa and particularly welcome proposals that deliver meaningful improvements in patient safety and clinician well-being.
“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 global community of grant recipients. We also provide a range of resources and support to help applicants throughout the process.”
Applicants can register their interest and apply via the online grant portal at www.thempsfoundation.org. The deadline for expressions of interest is 17:00 BST on Friday, 1 May 2026.
The MPS Foundation will also host a series of online Q&A clinics to explain the application process and provide guidance on submitting a strong proposal. Details and booking information are available on the MPS Foundation Grant Portal, and the team will be available to answer questions about the process.
Issued by MPS