Published: 21 June 2018
The NIHR has opened the first funding call for its brand new global health research programme - the NIHR Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation (RIGHT) programme.
The £30 million funding programme will commission research to benefit the health and wealth of the poorest people living in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), typically through interventions for prevention of ill health and optimal disease management.
The new NIHR RIGHT programme will deliver challenge-led research that focuses on key areas of unmet need where a relatively small investment can result in a transformative impact. The first three topics being addressed by the programme are epilepsy, infection-related cancer and severe stigmatising skin diseases.
The programme also aims to strengthen research capabilities and expertise in the UK and developing countries through supporting equitable partnerships between researchers in the UK and those in LMICs.
The programme is part of the nation's commitment to Official Development Assistance (ODA), funding cutting-edge interdisciplinary applied health research that addresses the challenges faced by LMICs and supporting LMICs to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NIHR RIGHT programme complements the recent £120 million investment in NIHR Global Health Research Groups and Units.
Applications to the NIHR RIGHT programme are invited from interdisciplinary applied research teams at UK-based Higher Education Institutions and research institutes. The competition will offer awards of £3-5 million over 3-4 years, with projects expected to start June 2019.
The NIHR RIGHT call 1 is a two-stage competition overseen by an international panel of experts. Stage 1 will comprise submitting an outline application, with successful Stage 1 applicants invited to produce a more comprehensive application for Stage 2.
To encourage applications from research teams who do not currently undertake research in LMICs but have expertise in one of the challenge areas, funding of up to £10,000 will be available for applicants who are successful at Stage 1. This funding is designed to support developing partnerships with researchers in LMICs and a Stage 2 application.
The NIHR will also be holding a webinar after launch of Stage 2 to support applicants to develop community and public involvement in their projects, and a workshop on impact in global health.
The call is open until Wednesday 1 August 2018 (1pm).