Research Programmes
We are expanding our existing research programmes and new funding streams are being introduced. Our main priority is to make sure that funding for research is focused where it is needed and provides quality outputs and value for money through a totally transparent and accountable system.
Our systems for processing research funding applications and the commissioning of research are currently being standardised. A number of the NIHR programmes are co-ordinated and managed by the NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF) and the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC).
CCF managed programmes
Programme Grants for Applied Research
Programme Grants for Applied Research are prestigious awards of up to £2m over a period of three to five years, directed towards leading researchers who can demonstrate an impressive track-record of achievement in applied health research. Each programme funds a series of related projects, which form a coherent theme in an area of priority or need for the NHS. The Programme is led by Professor Adrian Grant.
The first competition was limited to research areas in Mental Health, Medicines for Children, Diabetes, Stroke and Dementias, neurodegenerative diseases and neurology. These areas were chosen because they are government priorities where other research funders may not be focused, or there is insufficient funding available. In subsequent competitions, we will accept outline applications in all areas of research.
A total of 29 applications were selected by an expert peer review selection panel to receive an award in the first funding round. In the second competition a further 25 applications were selected to receive funding awards.
Researchers may find it helpful to consult the feedback provided by the Director of the Programme, if they intend to apply for future competitions.
Full details of the Programme is available in the Implementation Plan 6.5.
Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme
The RfPB programme is national response-mode programme for high quality investigator-led research projects that address issues of importance to the NHS. It funds research into everyday practice in the health service. Proposals are identified by health service staff, and developed by them with appropriate academic input. All proposals must show evidence from systematic reviews to ensure patient safety and value for money.
Funds are available on a population basis. Applications are assessed and processed by a regional committee. Committees covering each of the ten Government Office regions have been established. Professor Celia Davies, National Programme Director oversees the Programme.
Applications are accepted at any time and will be considered at the next available Regional Committee. All researchers in England are eligible to apply. Joint applications from NHS researchers with academic partners are welcome although funding will normally be awarded to the NHS partner.
Researchers may find it helpful to consult the feedback provided by the Director of the Programme, if they intend to apply for future competitions.
Implementation Plan 6.2a has full details of the RfPB Programme.
Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme
The Invention for Innovation (i4i) programme aims to support and accelerate the translation of bright ideas for new high-tech products into methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The programme is Directed by Martin Hunt, and focuses exclusively on funding proposals from academics or companies active in the medical sector. The i4i programme has four response-mode funding streams:
Stream 1 – i4i Feasibility study
Up to 1-year academic led investigation to determine whether a piece of prior basic research or an existing technology can be used to meet a healthcare need, and then to identify the barriers that would need to be overcome before implementation. Funding to a total of £100K is available.
Stream 2 – i4i Initial product development
A detailed investigation of up to 3 years led by a clinician or an academic research group that builds builds on the results of a completed assessment of the feasibility to produce a medical device or product through technological improvements or developments and that provides further evidence of its capacity to deliver improved healthcare outcomes and commercial opportunities. Funding to a total of £150K - £250K is available
Stream 3 – i4i Commercial viability study
Investigations lasting up to one year involving collaboration between at least one industry and one research (academic or clinical) partner aimed at determining whether an innovative use of an existing or emerging product or technology can be used to meet a healthcare need and identifying the barriers that would be need to be overcome. Funded projects serve primarily as the first stage of a full collaborative applied research project. Project costs can be no more than £100K in total, and 75% funding is available.
Stream 4 – i4i Collaborative product development
A detailed investigation of up to 3 years involving collaboration between at least one industry and one research partner (academic or clinical) that builds on the results of a completed assessment of feasibility. This will provide further evidence of the capability to deliver improved healthcare outcomes and commercial opportunity, delivering an advanced prototype along with plans for commercial and intellectual property exploitation. Funding to a maximum of 50% of the total project costs, and £100K - £300K per year is available.
Full details about the i4i programme can be found in Implementation Plan 6.4.
Research for Innovation, Speculation and Creativity (RISC) Programme
The RISC programme, provides small, discrete grants for new speculative and radical health research proposals that could lead to a step change in the care and management of patients. RISC awards are intended particularly for speculative, novel proposals that are unlikely to gain support during traditional peer review processes.
All researchers based in the NHS in England are eligible to apply. Joint applications from NHS researchers with academic partners as co-applicants are welcome.
Full details about the RISC programme can be found in Implementation Plan 6.2b.
NETSCC managed programmes
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme
The HTA programme funds research to ensure that healthcare professionals, NHS managers and the public and patients have the best and latest information on the costs, effectiveness and impact of developments in health technology. The programme:
- commissions response-mode Clinical Trials to investigate issues that are directly relevant to clinical practice in the NHS.
- commissions primary research and assesses the effectiveness of new technology through Technology Assessment Reviews for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
- works with the research networks of the newly established UK Clinical Research Network to identify and fund clinical trials of importance to a network's topic area
Full details of the HTA Programme is available in the Implementation Plan 6.3a.
Service Delivery and Organisation (SDO) Programme
The SDO programme commissions research on the way health services are organised and delivered by the NHS. The research is designed to help health practitioners, managers and policymakers improve the quality of patient care, the efficiency of health services and, ultimately, the health of the public.
Details of the SDO Programme is available in the Implementation Plan 6.3b.
Public Health Research (PHR) Programme
The Public Health Research (PHR) programme commissions research to provide new knowledge on the benefits, costs, acceptability and wider effect of non-NHS interventions e.g. prevention of obesity in children and speed humps for the prevention of road traffic accidents
The PHR programme mainly works in responsive mode, taking applications for both primary and secondary research and assessing them at regular intervals. The programme funds primary research at all phases but especially pragmatic evaluation studies.
Implementation Plan 6.9 has full details of the programme.
Health Services Research (HSR) Programme
The HSR programme provides funding across a broader range of health services research than is already covered by other NIHR programmes. The funding available for the programme will be up to £5 million and it is intended to lead to an increase in service quality and patient safety through improved ways of planning and providing health services.
The HSR programme will fund research mainly through a researcher-led workstream, whereby grants are provided for both primary and evidence synthesis on topics proposed directly by researchers, on an ongoing basis. The programme may also advertise calls for research proposals on specific topics.
Implementation Plan 6.11 has full details of the programme.
Other Programmes
NHS Physical Environment Research Programme
The
NHS Physical Environment Research programme funds research that benefits patients by improving the way property and facilities are managed and maintained and promoting safe, high quality and best value design in the healthcare environment.
National Horizon Scanning Centre
The
National Horizon Scanning Centre appraises new technological developments to provide the Department of Health and policymakers with information on their implications to the NHS both in clinical and economic terms. The centre's appraisals include new medicines, medical devices, diagnostic tests and procedures, surgical and other interventions, rehabilitation measures and new public health and health promotion messages.
UK Cochrane Centre
The
UK Cochrane Centre supports the preparation, maintenance and accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions. The Centre is part of the international
Cochrane Collaboration.
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
The Centre for Review and Dissemination provides a service through which people in the NHS can access information on available reviews and studies on clinical and cost effectiveness.