The NIHR website provides advice for all Health Care Professionals about funded opportunities for research training and careers, including profession-specific case study exemplars. Follow the Tabs for “Supporting my career as a researcher” to go directly to “Starting my research career” and “Which development award”.
The Funding Tab lists all announcements of NIHR funding calls in date order, and it is helpful to apply filters for funding types, where you can then check eligibility. You may also find it helpful to view this informative slide deck that was produced by NIHR, giving the full context of the NIHR’s mission and the role of the NIHR Academy. This presentation also gives a clear overview of all NIHR funding streams for all career stages.
Download this pdf version of the full set of presentation slides HERE.
Here below are a few helpful tips for making a successful NIHR application:
· Remember to consider the NIHR strategic priorities (Main Tab: About us – Our key Priorities)
· NIHR commitment to address interdisciplinary disparities – focus on how you will demonstrate that your application comprises a previously under-represented/under-recognised group (ie AHP discipline, work sector, job role, geography and/or protected characteristics”
· NIHR quality standards for excellence in research and innovation – ensure that you digest and thoroughly follow Guidance for Applicants, as well as securing some directly appropriate and relevant mentorship.
· How will you evidence your commitment to developing your personal track record of engagement with and in research, plus a very sharply focused vision of how the award will further develop your research skills and future capability.
· Carefully read the latest NIHR Chair’s Report for the relevant funding call (example HERE)
· Be realistic about allowing sufficient time to develop, revise and polish your application, including recognising the time investment of your mentor/s.
· Communities of Practice can provide essential opportunities for networking and gaining vital advice and support from colleagues with directly relevant experience – and be sure to consider the benefits of cross-disciplinary support and mentorship too.
· Online as well as in-person networks are also hugely valuable sources of on-going support and encouragement as you continue along your own career pathway. Remember that as well as being an intellectual journey, this will stretch your emotional resilience as conducting all types of research activities can often take longer than anticipated, with unexpected challenges – both methodological and pragmatic.
· Contact your regional CAHPR Hub lead/s who can help to facilitate helpful new introductions, especially for practitioners who are very new to research environment and processes.
· Also make sure to keep watching for the latest CAHPR news of free downloadable resources, webinars etc (see the next Tab for more information).