Published: 22 September 2023
NIHR is partnering with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to launch a new £30 million funding programme. The expectation is that research funded through this call, will support the UK in its transition to net zero.
Climate change is a major challenge to public health, which risks increasing health inequalities. As the nation’s largest funder of health and care research, we recognise our key role in driving and promoting net zero.
The new NIHR-UKRI funding call, will provide up to £6 million over 5 years, to a number of UK research institutions.
Each research hub will address at least 1 challenge of the net zero agenda. The hope is to generate research, to understand the human health implications of current policies, and identify new health-focused interventions.
Dr. Sophia Lentzos, Head of Sustainability at NIHR, said: “I am delighted to announce this joint NIHR and UKRI funding opportunity. In addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, it is paramount that we understand how to best protect and promote the physical and mental health of the UK population as we transition to a net zero world.
“This call will allow us to better understand the impact of new interventions across sectors on health and will be vital to ensuring a healthy population in the future. This call also acknowledges the impact of healthcare on the environment and the urgent need to understand the changing nature of care."
We want to fund research to identify the carbon impact and material waste associated with emerging health and social care delivery models and pathways, to ensure that we prioritise the health and welfare of both patients and our planet.