Pre-Application Support Fund

Our Pre-Application Support Fund provides extra support to those who need it to produce a competitive NIHR application. We hold 3 application rounds per year, providing regular opportunities to apply. It provides up to 1 year of flexible funding. 

This scheme provides funding to enhance the opportunities available to those that otherwise would not have sufficient support to apply for NIHR career development funding.

Who can apply

You can apply to this fund  for additional support to prepare a competitive application. You must expect to be eligible for your chosen NIHR career development award. This funding is open to all career levels. Please check the eligible NIHR career development schemes in the latest applicant guidance.

This scheme enables us to make a positive impact on groups and professions identified as underrepresented within NIHR. We particularly encourage applications from:

• regulated health and care professionals (nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists and healthcare scientists)
• social work and public health professionals
• researchers in methodology
• applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds
• applicants who are disabled

You could be preparing a predoctoral application or intending to apply for one of our Research Professorships. Your proposed host must be in England. 

Why apply

You can request funding for up to 12 months. You will need to make sure all costs are specific to the application you will submit. The funding can cover:

• salary support to buy out the necessary time to prepare your application
• relevant training and development, mentorship or supervisory costs
• other costs where the support you will need extends beyond the categories above, visit our application guidance for examples

If your application is successful, you will become an NIHR Academy Member. Visit our Academy Member benefits page to find out more.

What we’re looking for 

We aim to make a positive impact on groups and professions identified as underrepresented within NIHR. In your application you should:

• clearly demonstrate why you need extra support 
• explain how extra funding will help improve your planned application
• show how your planned application is within NIHR’s remit

This funding opportunity opens regularly throughout the year. You will need to complete and submit your application on ARAMIS, our online application system. Your application will be reviewed by the Funding Committee. You will not need to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Help with your application

For more information visit:

• application guidance
• Pre-Application Support funding opportunity

Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

We will endeavour to make adjustments to remove barriers in the application process. If you have any support, access or communication needs throughout the application process, please contact us.

If appointed, we will also work with you to identify adjustments to carry out the award.