Sexually Transmitted Infection Research Foundation (Stirf)

The Sexually Transmitted Infection Research Foundation (STIRF), established in 2003 as an independent UK charity by clinicians and scientists, addresses the shortage of sexual health and STI research funding outside London and the South East. Its mission is to pump-prime high-quality, innovative research on all aspects of sexual health, STIs including HIV, HPV-related malignancies, epidemiology, pathophysiology, management, health economics, behavioural science, disease spread mechanisms, and healthcare delivery. STIRF prioritises evidence-based projects enhancing equity for marginalised groups like youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, ethnic minorities, and sex workers, while supporting early-career researchers to build preliminary data for larger grants. Its values emphasise scientific rigour, peer review, innovation, and regional talent development in underserved areas.

Eligible applicants are academic institutions and UK-registered charities based strictly in the East Midlands, North East and North Cumbria, North West, West Midlands, or Yorkshire and Humber NHS Deaneries, typically affiliated with universities or NHS trusts; no income or size restrictions apply, but projects must demonstrate robust delivery capacity. STIRF accepts unsolicited applications for original research projects or part-funding of PhD studentships via an online form, with required documents including proposals, CVs, and budgets. The annual deadline is 30 April 2025, followed by Scientific Committee screening, external peer review, and trustee decisions in June.

Grants typically range from £40,000 to £100,000 over 1-4 years. STIRF does not offer unrestricted, core, or capital funding, repeat grants to recent recipients, or support outside its thematic and geographic focus. Uniquely, it acts as a catalyst for transformative research in less-resourced regions, directing all expenditure to grants without trustee remuneration, fostering national impact through foundational investments in new investigators and practical, equity-driven studies.