Starting out as a researcher

Are you interested in a research career, but not sure where to start? Find out how we can support your career journey.

You may have been inspired by a professor in your department, or maybe you already have a great idea for a PhD topic.

The links on this page offer a starting point for your research career.

See all career development funding opportunities

Undergraduate internships

We fund host organisations to provide internships for undergraduates. They offer a good introduction to career opportunities in health and social care research.

Your career path in research

Find out how to add research to your career if you are a health and care professional.

Get support from an NIHR-funded incubator

Incubators are communities that support careers in underrepresented areas of health and social care research. Explore incubators in your area and get in touch.

Research career funding programmes

We offer a range of research career funding programmes to help you develop your career in health and care research.

Already started your research career?

Find out how to take the next step

Researcher stories

Stories

Identifying mental illness among new and expectant mums

As a recipient of an NIHR Research Professorship award, Professor Louise Howard’s research influenced national policies and increased government funding for perinatal mental health services.

Stories

Working with industry as part of a Development and Skills Enhancement Award

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

Stories

Diabetes diagnosis improved by quick, inexpensive C-peptide test

While supported by an NIHR Clinician Scientist award, Professor Angus Jones and his colleagues developed convenient blood and urine C-peptide tests to confirm patients’ diabetes diagnosis.