Development and Skills Enhancement Award (DSE)

This funding bridges the development and skills gap between doctoral research and our postdoctoral awards.

This award is an opportunity to build solid foundations for your postdoctoral career in applied health or care research. You can apply if you’re an early to mid-career researcher who needs to develop specific skills or gain specific training or experience before taking your next step. 

You can access up to 2 years of funding to cover your salary and training, including mentorship and conference attendance costs. 

Who can apply

This is a postdoctoral award, so to apply you’ll need a relevant PhD, MD or to have submitted your thesis. You do not need to be an NIHR Academy Member.

We encourage applications from groups that are currently underrepresented in research including:

  • nurses
  • midwives
  • allied health professionals
  • healthcare scientists
  • pharmacists
  • researchers returning from a career break

For full eligibility information please refer to our DSE guidance page

Case studies

Working with industry as part of a DSE Award

Anaesthetist Dr Gareth Kitchen explains how the DSE helped him to build a relationship with industry partners.

How the DSE Award provides a strong foundation for research careers

Clinical psychologist Dr Maria Loades describes how the one-year NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award provided the next step in her research career.

Why apply

You will enhance your skills and knowledge through bespoke training, placements and mentorship. You’ll choose your area of development to take the next step in your career. For example, you could boost your data analysis skills or your understanding of co-designing and delivering interventions to be more competitive for your next funding application.

How to apply

Applications for this award are open throughout the year, so you can set your own pace. 

We review applications in April, August and December. 

You will apply through ARAMIS, our online research award management system

Help with your application

Read our guidance to find out more before you start the application process:

DSE application guidance

Contact us

Contact us for more information. Call 0113 532 8444 or email us.