Programme Development Grants - Competition 41

Applications are invited to apply for Programme Development Grant (PDG) funding. 

Programme Development Grants are available for researchers to undertake preparatory work to develop a future programme of research (Stream A). PDGs are also available for researchers to develop and enhance the quality and value of an ongoing or recently completed Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) award (Stream B). 

We are pleased to announce that Stream B now has an expanded scope by introducing the opportunity for existing award holders, to apply for funding whilst the research is ongoing to conduct additional linked research of strategic importance to NIHR (e.g. methodological research, public/community engagement, issues related to EDI, linked social care perspectives etc). To aid capacity building, we will particularly welcome this type of Stream B applications led by early or mid-career researchers.

As an existing PGfAR award holder you may apply for only one PDG Stream B award at any time during the course of your programme (once your research contract for the main award has been signed) up to the last 12 months of the award, and just one further PDG Stream B award in the latter phases (i.e last 12 months of award and up to 18 months after the contract end date). A maximum of two PDG Stream B awards are permitted.

Individual awards are for a maximum of £250k over a period of 12 - 24 months. The amount of funding awarded, however, is determined by the scale and nature of the research activity to be conducted.

Applications to the PDG funding scheme are usually made with the support of an NHS body and other providers of NHS services in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If an application is successful, a contract will be placed with that organisation for delivery of the research and all funds for the research will be paid to the NHS organisation or other provider of NHS services. In addition to NHS Trusts, we have recently expanded the eligibility of contracting organisations to include Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). However, this is only for applications focused on public health and social care, where it has been fully justified in the application that the research has no touch-points with NHS Trusts.

The submission deadline for applications is 13:00 on 15 January 2025.

*Please note that the indicated time frame for outcomes is approximate and subject to change.