About public health research at NIHR
What is public health research?
Public health research focuses on investigating and addressing health-related issues and concerns at the population level. Its primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of communities and societies by understanding the factors that influence health, preventing diseases and injuries, and promoting healthy behaviors and policies.
Public health research findings are used to inform public health policies, shape healthcare practices, and guide interventions aimed at improving population health and reducing health inequalities.
Public health research plays a critical role in preventing diseases, promoting health equity, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals and communities.
What do we do?
At the NIHR, we receive funding from the government to support all areas of public health research in England. These range from early prevention to NHS public health initiatives.
We are the largest funder of public health research in the UK and work with alongside other public sector funding bodies. These include UKRI and the health departments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We work with academia, healthcare and local government to develop population research that improves health and wellbeing, supports independence and reduces health inequalities.
Our research funding and services are useful to:
- decision-makers in local and national government
- voluntary sector and charity organisations
- national agencies involved in improving public health and reducing health inequalities
- public health practitioners the public.
By bringing together people within these sectors we aim to support research into the most pressing public health needs.
How can we help you?
Our public health research webpages bring together the latest information on:
- public health research grants and current funding opportunities
- evidence to inform public health projects, which include public health research examples
- public health research career development support
- help to deliver research or evaluate public health projects