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Feedback formNIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) funds collaborative, multidisciplinary programmes of applied research to solve health and social care challenges.
Programme Development Grants (PDG) are available to carry out targeted preparatory work to strengthen a future full PGfAR.
The aim of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) is to deliver research findings that will lead to clear and identifiable patient benefits, typically through promotion of health, prevention of ill health, and optimal disease management (including safety and quality).
PGfAR is researcher led and does not specify topics for research. However, the research must be in an area of priority or need for the NHS and the social care sector of the Department of Health and Social Care, with particular emphasis on health and social care areas that cause significant burden, where other research funders may not be focused, or where insufficient funding is available.
It is designed to fund NHS and academic partners to work together to tackle health and social care problems, and provide some stability of funding to support the long-term development of top quality applied research groups working in the NHS.
PGfAR funds programmes of research that:
Programmes that use diverse methodological approaches to demonstrate patient benefits at an individual or population level, and/or include work packages specifically aimed at addressing important methodological issues in applied health research methodology are particularly welcome.
The amount awarded and the length of the funding period depends on the nature of the proposed work. Funding in excess of £2.5 million beyond six years will be unusual.
We also welcome smaller programmes of research with an emphasis on using novel methodological approaches to produce benefits for patients, the public, the NHS or the social care sector. It is anticipated that novel designs will facilitate shorter, more efficient, less expensive programmes. As a guide, such programmes might be delivered over 3 years with costs of £1-1.5m.
Potential applicants can undertake appropriate preparatory work through a Programme Development Grant to strengthen their future programme.
PGfAR has three funding opportunities a year that typically launch in February, June and October. See the dates for our funding competitions.
PGfAR has a two stage application process. Please see the applicant guidance for stage 1 and stage 2, and the supporting information, to find out more. Potential applicants can seek advice on their proposal from the programme team through the pre-submission enquiry form.
Research proposals are submitted to PGfAR online through the Research Management System. We supply template application forms for stage 1 and stage 2 to help researchers prepare their proposal ahead of submission.
Programme Grants for Applied Research recommends research proposals for funding through its main selection committee and its subcommittees. Programme Development Grant applications are assessed by the same committees.
The Stage 2 subcommittees are standing committees, whereas the Stage 1 subcommittee and main selection committees are convened for each funding competition.
Proposals are first assessed at by the Stage 1 subcommittee. Shortlisted proposals are then sent for methodological review. Stage 2 proposals are then sent for peer review, before being assessed by the Stage 2 subcommittees . The outcomes from each Stage 2 subcommittee are then discussed and reviewed by the main selection committee.
The main selection committee recommends projects for funding to the Department of Health and Social Care, which approves which projects should be funded.
Members of PGfAR committees are required to declare any interests which conflict, or may be considered to conflict, with PGfAR programme business, or may be perceived as influencing decisions made in the course of their work within the PGfAR programme. All members are asked to complete the Register of Interest form (annually), which is intended to capture long term predictable interests that could be perceived to lead to conflicts of interest. These and other interests are judged on a case by case basis at individual meetings.
Professor Elaine Hay is Programme Director of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research.
Professor Tracy Roberts is Chair of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research subcommittee A. View the full membership of Subcommittee A.
Professor Jonathan Mant is Chair of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research subcommittee B. View the full membership of Subcommittee B.
Professor Kate Jolly is Chair of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research subcommittee C. View the full membership of Subcommittee C.
Professor Marian Knight is Chair of NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research subcommittee D. View the full membership of Subcommittee D.
We offer a wide variety of assistance during all stages of the research process. If in doubt, please get in touch.
Tel: 020 8843 8056
Email: programme.grants@nihr.ac.uk
Our operating hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm
Assistant Director
Mr Rajinder Flora
Senior Programme Managers
Dr Shaun McMaster
Dr Katie Cook
Programme Managers
Dr Michelle Edye
Ms Fiona Giles
Dr Ramnath Elaswarapu
Ms Saima Siddiqui
Research Officers
Ms Saprina Harrison
Ms Amrit Mann
Mr Krishna Kothandapani
Senior Administrator
Ms Mandy Norton
NIHR Central Commissioning Facility
Grange House
15 Church Street
Twickenham TW1 3NL
The NIHR is interested in funding high-quality, ambitious research applications addressing the important questions in Cystic Fibrosis.
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Specification for the Emergency Response and Preparedness funding call.
RfPB ERP Research Specification
Emergency Response & Preparedness Call - Stage 2 - PDG Guidance for Applicants
Minutes of the PGfAR Competition 28 Stage 1
Minutes of the PGfAR Competition 28 Stage 2 Sub-Committee C