NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)

NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)

What is NIHR?

The National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public – we fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

We are also a major funder of applied health research in low and middle income countries, work that is principally funded through UK government international development funding.

What does NIHR do?

NIHR plays a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of people across the UK by:

  • Funding health and care research
  • Supporting with the set-up and management of clinical trials
  • Researching health and social care services to make them more efficient, accessible and patient-centred
  • Encouraging patients across a diverse population to participate in a range of studies through its Be Part of Research website: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
  • Investing in training and development of researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals through funding for fellowships, research grants and professional development programs.
  • Translating scientific findings into practical healthcare applications, ensuring that research is used to improve treatments, healthcare practices, and policies, leading to tangible benefits for patients and healthcare systems.
  • Promoting collaboration across various sectors, including the NHS, universities, charities & local authorities.

The NIHR plays a pivotal role in advancing health and care through research, funding, and innovation, improving treatments and shaping healthcare policies for the better.

Why NIHR matters

NIHR matters because it plays a central role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the UK.

Watch the videos below to see how research makes a difference to all of us:

Bryan’s Story (Patient)

Lisa’s Story (Research GP)

How to get involved

Getting involved with the NIHR is a great way to contribute to advancing health and care research in the UK. There are several ways you can get involved, whether you’re a researcher, healthcare professional, or member of the public.

Members of the Public

  • Participate: Members of the public can participate in research studies and clinical trials through their GP practice, or by exploring the ‘Be Part of Research’ website: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/
  • Share your experience: If you have had experience with a particular treatment, condition or healthcare service, then your input can help to shape future research. Share your feedback on specific research studies with the relevant organisation once the study has finished.
  • Research Champion: You can become a research champion to support the public to get involved in future studies and help raise awareness about research opportunities.

Researchers

  • Apply for research funding: NIHR offers various funding programs to support health and care research. You can apply for grants to fund research projects, clinical trials, or innovation. Explore funding opportunities here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/research-funding/funding-programmes
  • Collaborate with NIHR: Researchers can collaborate with NIHR on projects that aim to improve healthcare practices and treatments. NIHR partners with universities, NHS trusts, and other organisations.
  • NIHR Fellowships: NIHR offers career development fellowships to early-career researchers, enabling them to develop their skills and advance their careers in health and care research.

Healthcare Professionals

  • Become a clinical researcher: Healthcare professionals can engage in clinical research by participating in NIHR-support studies and clinical trials. This not only help improve patient care, but it also provides opportunities for professional growth. Learn how to get involved here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved
  • Research training: Healthcare professionals can access NIHR’s training programs to develop their research skill here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/about-us/what-we-do/training-researchers

Everyone

  • Stay updated on Research: Follow NIHR on their social media channels, website and newsletters to stay updated on the latest research, findings, and funding opportunities.
  • Support NIHR’s mission: Advocate for the importance of research in improving healthcare and patient outcomes. You can help spread awareness of NIHR initiatives and encourage others to participate.

Further information

For further information about NIHR and how to get in contact with them, please browse through the list of links below:

NIHR Website: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/

General Enquiries (Email): enquiries@nihr.ac.uk

NIHR Newsletter (Sign-up): https://nihr.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=570d86f9cb&u=299dc02111e8a68172029095f

Be Part of Research Website: https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Register with Be Part of Research: https://volunteer.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/participants/introduction?utm_source=bpor-website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=campaignswg

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Page updated: 13th February 2025

Page created: 2nd January 2025