This guide will help if you are thinking of applying to join a Global Health Research Funding Committee.
We are currently looking for members to join us.
Global Health Programmes looking for Committee members
Our Global Health Research Programmes form a key part of our commitment to Official Development Assistance (ODA). They provide funding to:
- help deliver research that will improve health outcomes for people living in low and middle income countries (LMICs)
- strengthen crucial research capability and capacity in resource-poor settings. This includes training and strengthening capacity in both academic research and programme support functions
This provides a vital and sustainable platform for future research in countries eligible for ODA.
These Programmes are looking for Committee members:
Global Health Research Programme
This Programme helps researchers develop new equitable and diverse partnerships and networks. These must be between UK and LMIC universities and research establishments. The partnerships may be new, or they may be the expansion of existing ones into different health areas or countries. The goal is to deliver applied global health research targeted at the needs of people in LMICs.
Global Health Policy and Systems Research Programme
This Programme aims to inform health policy, health services and systems in LMICs. Equal partnerships between UK and LMIC researchers will generate new research knowledge and evidence about health policy and health services. The aim is to strengthen health systems and improve access to high-quality and affordable health services.
Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation Programme
This Programme supports researchers in LMICs and the UK to deliver applied health research. This should focus on interventions for the primary and direct benefit of people in LMICs. It looks to strengthen capacity for research and knowledge exchange through equal partnerships. It promotes interdisciplinary approaches to research. New knowledge and evidence generated will improve health outcomes for people in LMICs.
Through this Programme, we aim to deliver cutting-edge interdisciplinary applied health research. Strategic, targeted investment in key thematic areas can have a transformative impact in LMICs.
Global Research Professorships Programme
The Global Research Professorships Programme is our flagship career development award. It funds research leaders to promote effective translation of research and strengthen research leadership at the highest academic levels.
This Programme supports outstanding academics to work at professorial level. It funds researchers whose work aims to benefit people in LMICs eligible for Official Development Assistance.
Global Health Research Training Programme
This Programme aims to add value to, build on, and strengthen existing investment in academic research capacity. We support the training and academic career development of researchers through our awards. These include the GHR Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration ( SPARC) and GHR Cohort Academic Development Award (CADA) schemes.
About our Global Health Research Funding Committees
Our Funding Committees include people with extensive applied global health research expertise. People also have skills and knowledge relevant to a particular funding opportunity. Committee members bring a range of experience to help committees make decisions on which applications to fund.
Global Health committee members have significant research experience in LMICs. Typically, each Committee will have two independent Co-Chairs, and up to 25 further members.
There are 2 kinds of members who make up a Committee:
Applied Global Health research members
These members:
- have previous experience at a senior level
- have a significant record in applied research and publication in LMICs
- have experience of research on health policy, services and systems in LMICs
- have broad experience developing equitable research partnerships and research or infrastructure capacity strengthening
- support evidence-based changes in policy and practice
Global Health Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) Specialists
These members:
- bring knowledge, experience and expertise in how to involve communities in the research process in LMICs. Their experience spans local, national and global levels
- have experience using various engagement methods that include vulnerable and under-represented community members in research
- are familiar with different health research methodologies across a range of LMIC settings
- know about best practice in community engagement and involvement in global health research
How are Funding Committee members appointed?
We advertise our Funding Committee roles online. If we are looking for specific knowledge, skills or experience, our Programme teams may approach people directly.
Membership is open to all with the necessary expertise and experience. We embrace diversity and inclusivity. Our Global Health Research Funding Committees are looking for people with experience from a wide range of geographical locations and contexts. We are particularly interested if you have experience from countries listed on the OECD DAC-list. In line with the International Development (Gender Equality) Act 2014 and the Equalities Act 2010, as well as NIHR principles, we are committed to equality of opportunity.
We will publish the names of Funding Committee members on our relevant research Programme web pages.
What do Committee members do?
The main role of a Funding Committee is to discuss and agree which applications should receive funding.
Before a meeting, you will need to review applications against the criteria in the advert. You will be assigned applications which you will assess in detail, ready to present your feedback to the group. When reviewing an application, you will critically assess whether proposed research is:
- high quality
- scientifically robust
- represents good value for money
- is ODA-eligible
You will also be asked to review all other applications so that you can contribute to discussions and vote. There may be times when we need you to triage and comment on additional research proposals, if we receive a high volume of applications.
As a guide, each application will consist of:
Stage 1:
- application form – approximately 25 pages
- plain English summary and research plan
- ODA-compliance statement
- level of funding required
- description of Community Engagement and Involvement
- references
- plus further optional uploads
Stage 2:
- application form – approximately 90 pages
- letters of support
- budget
- delivery chain risk map
- project Gantt chart or project management plan
- references
- peer review comments and applicants' responses
- plus further optional uploads
The Global Research Personal Awards Programme has a single Stage 2 application. For this, we shortlist and then invite people for an interview.
After the Committee has discussed and scored applications, it will let the Department of Health and Social Care know which ones they think should receive funding.
Other tasks you may be asked to do following a committee meeting or interviews include:
- reviewing final feedback to applicants, or applicants' responses
- confirming whether any conditional funding requirements have been addressed
- recommending significant proposed changes and/or active award extensions to DHSC. NIHR may approach you for advice throughout the lifetime of an award
You will need to follow our Terms of Reference throughout the whole reviewing process. We will send successful applicants our terms when appointed.
When do the Funding Committees meet?
Meetings held in person typically run across 2 consecutive days. This applies to both Stage 1 applications/shortlisting and Stage 2 applications/interviews. Online meetings may be staggered across several days. This is to accommodate participants' different time zones.
We currently hold online meetings for Stage 1 applications/shortlisting. We hold in-person meetings in the UK for Stage 2 applications/interviews.
Person specification
Global health research experts/academics
Essential
You must have:
- professional knowledge and a significant track record in applied global health research and supporting evidence-based changes in policy and practice. Ideally your experience is in LMICs relevant to the theme of the Programme
- a relevant background in global health research, public health and/or global health services or health systems research
- current or recent experience of working in or with global health research sectors. This includes experience of research capacity strengthening and/or equitable research partnerships
- a demonstrated track record of research achievement and leadership
- experience of condensing large volumes of text into a succinct critical appraisal
- experience of participating in formal meetings and actively contributing to large group discussions
- the ability to clearly convey views on complex information
- computer literacy and be willing to use a computer-based management information system
- discretion in handling confidential information
Desirable
Ideally you will have:
- previous membership of other major global health funder committees
- direct experience of peer reviewing large-scale proposals for national or international global health research funders
Community Engagement and Involvement specialists
Essential
You must have:
- knowledge and technical expertise in developing and delivering community engagement strategies. This includes involving people with lived experience and communities in health-related research, or services or policy design in LMICs. You will need to show evidence of including the most marginalised and vulnerable populations so that no-one is left behind
- knowledge or experience of global health issues relevant to the remit of the Programme
- current or recent experience of working in or with global health research sectors
- familiarity with different health research methodologies across a wide range of LMIC settings
- an understanding of best practice in CEI. For example, the UNICEF minimum quality standards and indicators in community engagement
- experience of condensing large volumes of text into a succinct critical appraisal
- experience of participating in formal meetings and actively contributing to large group discussions
- the ability to clearly convey views on complex information
- computer literacy and be willing to use a computer-based management information system
- discretion in handling confidential information
You must be able to commit to attending all meetings, both in person and online.
Desirable
Ideally you will have:
- previous experience of working with other major global health funders. Ideally through peer reviewing funding applications, and/or as a member of an advisory or funding committee
Duration of role
Successful applicants may only serve on 1 NIHR committee at a time. The only exception to this is when no other person is available to cover the role. If you are involved in awarding NIHR Research Training and Leadership Programme funding (our Academy Programmes), you can also be a member of a Research Programme Funding Committee. This is so that you have insight into the research pathway.
The period of tenure is usually for 3 calls. A call is usually a year.
Subject matter specialists serving on the RIGHT Funding Committee will have a single call tenure, usually 1.5 years.
Payment
If you are an expert/academic member, you will not be remunerated for carrying out your committee role. You may, however, claim reasonable expenses associated with attending meetings, such as travel and food.
For in-person meetings, we will provide hotel accommodation at the allocated meeting venue. Our team will make bookings for you.
You are expected to travel standard class by rail and economy class by air. First class travel is not permitted. Staff at NIHR will liaise with you to arrange travel. You can find more information about expenses in our committee member policy, which is available on request.
Continued Professional Development (CPD)
In discussion with the relevant professional body, members may be able to claim CPD points. Where appropriate, written confirmation of a member’s contribution will be given.
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- review the advert which includes the role description and person specification
- apply through the advert and complete the online application form
- in the application form, you will need to provide an up-to-date and relevant CV. Your CV should be 1-2 pages; please do not exceed 2 pages. You can also upload additional relevant information, such as a summary publications list
- submit your application by the close date. Please provisionally hold the committee dates in your diary
- once you have submitted your application you will see an on-screen message confirming we have received it. If you have any queries about your application, please email nihrglobalhealth@nihr.ac.uk
We will email applicants with the final outcomes as soon as a decision has been made.
As part of our recruitment process, we monitor all applicants’ data. You will be asked to complete an anonymous equality monitoring form. After the closing date, you will receive an email from our Equality and Diversity Recording System (EDRS), asking you to complete the form. Your data will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy.