NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award (DSE)

The DSE award is a post-doctoral level funding opportunity aimed at supporting early to mid-career researchers in gaining specific skills and experience to underpin the next phase of their research career. 

Please note that applicants are no longer required to be Academy members. From December 2023 funding is available for a longer duration to support those returning from a break from research. We are particularly keen to see applications from nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and pharmacists.

A DSE award provides funding for:

• The salary of the award holder for up to 2 years
• Training and development costs up to £5,000 per year
• Conference costs up to £1,000 per year
• Mentorship costs up to £3,000

Full Economic Costings (FEC) are not covered by this award.

The DSE can support post-doctoral researchers who want to further a career in applied health or care research. We are especially interested to hear from those working in the areas of health data science, clinical trials, entrepreneurship and working with industry and those aspiring to start an academic career or return from a career break.

All applicants must:

• have completed any relevant pre-registration training (clinical academic applications only)
• have a proposed English host who is an HEI, NHS body, or other provider of health and/or care services
• hold a relevant PhD or MD, or have submitted their thesis for examination at the time of application. Applicants must have been awarded their PhD or MD by the time they start the award
• have not submitted a DSE application in the previous submission window

The DSE is usually open to applications all year round, with 3 review periods. Due to minor changes to the award, applicants will not be able to submit applications between 2 April and 9 April 2024. However, the application form will be available.