Child Development Research Motor Coordination

Main Research Call – 2026

In 2026, we will be inviting applications for research projects aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Dyspraxia or motor coordination difficulties in general. We are particularly interested in proposals that align with the following key areas:

1. Advancing the Understanding of DCD

We are seeking research projects that will deepen scientific knowledge of Dyspraxia through:

• Brain Imaging: Studies that use advanced neuroimaging techniques to understand the neural mechanisms underpinning DCD.
• Improved Phenotyping: Projects that focus on better defining and categorising the characteristics of DCD to enhance diagnosis and treatment approaches.

2. Reflect a core area of need highlighted in the JLA priority setting exercise for DCD / Dyspraxia

Proposals under this theme should specifically help advance an area of research highlighted in the top 10 priorities as set out in the James Lynd Alliance PSP (if formally published yet).

3. Motor Coordination Difficulties in Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions

In addition to DCD-specific studies, we welcome research exploring motor coordination difficulties as they manifest within other neurodevelopmental conditions such as ASD and ADHD.

Proposals in this area may include understanding the shared or distinct motor coordination challenges across these conditions, or interventions designed to address motor skills within a broader neurodevelopmental framework.

4. Supporting Interventions to Enhance Motor Skills

We also invite applications that develop and test interventions designed to improve motor skills in children with neurodevelopmental conditions or otherwise typically developing, particularly those that emphasise real-world applications in schools, homes, and communities. Please note that while international research is valued, we encourage interventions focused on the UK context, ensuring local relevance and implementation.

Whilst we have an interest in motor development in general it is unlikely we would support a project looking at motor development within another condition (such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy) than those outlined in our main interests or within a typically developing children.

We look forward to receiving innovative proposals that will contribute to the field of DCD research and motor skills and support practical interventions for children.

Please see the active research calls page for information on the deadlines and timelines for this call.

Launch of the DCD Small Grants Scheme – Round 1 (2025/6)

OPEN (until December 10^th, 2025)

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Small Grants Scheme, a new funding call to support research into this under-recognised neurodevelopmental condition.

In this first round, we are offering awards of £10,000–£15,000 for UK-based projects of up to 12 months. Applications are welcome from across disciplines – including neuroscience, clinical research, education, technology, and lived experience, qualitative research and studies involving adults – with a focus on innovative, cross-disciplinary, and pilot studies that can lay the groundwork for larger future funding.

Eligible costs:

• Research staff salaries or buyout.
• Participant costs and incentives.
• Consumables, software, small equipment.
• Travel and subsistence related to data collection.
• Patient and public involvement (PPI).

Ineligible costs: overheads, major equipment, general conference attendance, publication fees.

To apply please complete the expression of interest / initial application form going up to 2 pages if necessary– it is anticipated that this will serve as the main application form and only additional clarifying questions will be asked rather than a full 6 page application so please provide sufficient detail of your plans in this EOI. Once completed please return to applications@waterloofoundation.org.uk.

It is anticipated that a final outcome will be known by early February 2026.