New £33m NIHR Funding Boosts Research Opportunities at Universities Across England
In an effort to inspire and cultivate the next generation of health researchers, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has announced a substantial funding initiative for universities across England. More than £33 million has been allocated to support students and early-career professionals aspiring to enter the research field.
The funding, amounting to £33.2 million over the next three years, is part of the NIHR’s INSIGHT programme. It aims to help universities deliver engagement programmes and provide research master’s places to attract newcomers to the profession. This initiative is seen as a vital step in addressing the growing need for skilled researchers in the healthcare sector.
Professor Waljit Dhillo, Dean of the NIHR Academy, emphasised the importance of early exposure to research. “We know how important early exposure to research is for helping students and early career professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to join the research workforce and build successful research careers in the future,” he said.
The funding will be distributed across 12 regions, with a focus on building research capacity throughout the country. The programme will involve collaborations between NHS trusts, universities, and local authorities. The lead universities for each region include:
- South London – King’s College London
- North East and North Cumbria – Northumbria University
- South Central – University of Southampton
- South East – University of Brighton
- South West Central – University of the West of England
- East Midlands – University of Nottingham
- East of England – University of Essex
- West Midlands – University of Birmingham
- North West – University of Central Lancashire
- North London – City, University of London
- South West Peninsula – University of Plymouth
- Yorkshire and Humber – University of Leeds
These regional INSIGHT programmes will offer a range of opportunities, including workshops, networking events, mentoring schemes, and showcase events. The goal is to equip aspiring researchers with the knowledge and experience needed to join the workforce and strengthen the nation’s research capacity.
Both full-time and part-time research master’s places will be available, with the first cohort of students set to begin their studies next month. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare research in England, ensuring that a new wave of talented professionals is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.