NIHR Challenge - Maternity Inequalities

The first ever NIHR Challenge funding call, backed by £50 million, will task researchers and policymakers with finding new ways to tackle maternity disparities.

This funding call will bring together a diverse consortium, funding research and capacity building. The aim is to increase the evidence base to address maternity inequalities, facilitating a multidisciplinary whole systems approach to address uncertainties across research, innovation and implementation.

The stage 1 process will invite organisations to apply to join the consortium. Successful organisations will come together at stage 2 to develop the work programme including large scale ambitious projects which lead to a step change and measurable improvement in maternity inequalities. Selected organisations forming the consortium will also be expected to draw in wider expertise, such as practitioners, charities, industry, implementation, and systems experts to ensure geographical spread and that research is undertaken where the need is greatest.