Video message from Programme Director Professor Marian Knight
Watch a video message from RfPB Programme Director Marian Knight outlining changes to RfPB funding limits.
NIHR's Research for Patient Benefit programme (RfPB) has a broad portfolio of research both in terms of research topic and design in addition to geographical diversity and supporting individuals across all career levels. One mechanism which RfPB uses to achieve a broad portfolio is Funding Tiers; Tier 1 for research close to patient benefit, Tier 2 for research a step or two away from direct patient benefit, and Tier 3 for research which is more developmental in nature and even further away from direct patient benefit. These Tiers have associated funding limits to ensure the research RfPB funds is commensurate with the chance of it achieving patient benefit.
Changes to funding limits for Tier 1
We are pleased to announce that from Competition 50 which launches in November 2022 the funding limit for Tier 1 is rising to £500k from the previous limit of £350k. This is to ensure that we are maintaining RfPB’s ambitions to continue to fund research close to direct patient benefit – randomised controlled trials but also other designs enabling immediate changes to health and care.
RfPB has a strong track record of funding pragmatic and efficient RCTs which have led to huge impact, provided great value for money and swift answers to important research questions. This increased funding limit will enable RfPB to continue to fund these types of trials, as well as those using more economic data-enabled designs, or conducted through established platforms.
We have decided to keep the Tier 2 funding limit at £250k and Tier 3 limit at £150k. Research funded via these Tiers has been enormously valuable; whether developing new interventions, systematic reviews or the wide range of other designs typically seen in Tier 3, or feasibility studies determining whether or not to proceed to RCT mainly seen via Tier 2; however, we believe at this point in time the funding limits for Tier 2 and Tier 3 remain appropriate.
The increased funding limit at Tier 1 will apply to all RfPB routine calls, themed calls and highlight notices, and regional calls.