The NIHR Research Design Service is closed to new requests from 30 September 2023. We will continue to support our existing clients with existing projects up to 31 March 2024. If you have a question you can email us.
For support with any new project ideas please now contact the NIHR Research Support Service.

Funding Opportunities

Funding for research

There are many sources of funding opportunities for applied health research including the NIHR, Research Councils and major charities. We work with people developing grant applications mainly on National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding programmes. Our Project Review Committee provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to obtain a critical review of a proposed grant application before this is sent to a funding body.

Find out more about the different NIHR funding programmes below.


Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme

Trials of the efficacy of treatments in controlled settings, sometimes using proxy or intermediate measures of a health outcome.


Evidence Synthesis Programme

Research funding to help health and social care decision makers.


Global Health Research (GHR)

Research that directly addresses the diverse health needs of people in low and middle income countries (LMICs). 


Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) Programme

Research funding to improve access, quality and organisation of health and social care services.


Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme

Research funding to help plan and provide NHS and social care services.


Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme

Support for the development of innovative healthcare technologies.


Policy Research Programme (PRP) Programme

Research funding to support national policy in health, care and public health systems.


Programme Development Grants (PDG)

Grants for research teams preparing a Programme Grants for Applied Research application


Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR)

Programme funding for applied research, to solve health and social care challenges.


Public Health Research (PHR) Programme

Research funding to improve public health and reduce inequalities in health.


Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme

Health, public health and social care research funding, to improve lives.


Research for Social Care (RfSC) Programme

Annual funding to produce research to improve, expand and strengthen adult social care.


NIHR Themed Calls

Themed research calls are issued by the NIHR to meet an identified health challenge or government priority. Calls for funding will be promoted in advance whenever possible and clearly advertised on NIHR websites. All research programmes, including NIHR fellowships, will participate in the themed call as far as their remit allows. Further details about the current themed calls can be found on the NIHR website. 

 


Funding for training and career development

The NIHR provides career development and support for aspiring researchers, from initial pre-doctoral training to senior post-doctoral research.