NIHR Local Authority Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration (LA SPARC) Scheme Round 4

The NIHR Local Authority Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration (LA SPARC) Scheme Round 4 is now open for applications. 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.

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.

Who does this scheme support?

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 faced at the local level
• share knowledge and experience 
• look to co-create research that is better connected with practice
• developing partnerships and joint ways of working