The NIHR Local Authority Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration (LA SPARC) Scheme Round 4 will open for applications on 25 September 2024. This scheme is designed to support individuals working in local authority settings and NIHR Academy members to design and apply for funds to undertake short placements allowing them to move between NIHR and Local Authority settings in either direction.
Individuals can apply to the LA SPARC scheme for up to £15,000 to undertake a bespoke short placement. Applications are light-touch and will be assessed in open competition.
The scheme supports:
- Individuals based in a local authority setting who would like to undertake a short placement in a part of the NIHR/academia. This may appeal to those who are interested in enhancing their careers, in experiencing research from a different perspective or taking the next step in developing a practice academic career.
- NIHR Academy members supported in a part of NIHR Infrastructure, a Health Protection Research Unit or an NIHR School who would like to undertake a short placement in a local authority/provider of local authority commissioned service setting. This may appeal to individuals who want to work alongside service commissioners and providers to hear the issues and challenges being faced at the local level, to share knowledge and experience and look to co-create research that is better connected with practice, as well as developing partnerships and joint ways of working.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the online NIHR Academy Research Awards Management System. Before an application can be started, prospective applicants are required to register on the online award management system.
Contact
Applicants from local authorities can read more about the programme on the NIHR Local Authority Academic Fellowship Programme and Associated Opportunities page.
NIHR Academy Member applicants can read more about the programme on the Academic Career Development in NIHR Infrastructure and NIHR Schools page.
For help with your application contact academy-awards@nihr.ac.uk or call 0113 8315 945.