Research in Wider Care Settings    

One of the key aims of the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) is to ensure that everyone across the country has the opportunity to take part in research that might be suitable for them. Through our flexible and multi-disciplinary study support and Agile Research Delivery Team, we can help you deliver research in a wide range of settings.

These include:

• GP surgeries

• hospices

• care homes

• sheltered accommodation

• schools

• community hubs

• places of worship

• prisons

• people’s homes

The EoE Wider Care Settings Map 2026-2027 includes all wider care settings. 

Two new funding calls for health and care organisations have been launched by the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN). Both funding calls aim to help to improve access to research opportunities for health and care staff, and the people they care for.

The 2 funding calls are for:

• Strategic Funding

• Wider Care Settings (WCS) Funding.

Both funding calls also aim to support the delivery of the 3 government shifts identified in their 10 Year Health Plan (hospital to community, analogue to digital, sickness to prevention).

Applications for both funding calls open across all 12 Regional RDNs (RRDNs) on Tuesday 6 October 2026, closing on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

Find out more on the NIHR website

Strategic funding call drop-in sessions

The East of England RRDN are hosting a series of online drop-in sessions to provide information and support to anyone intending to apply for the Strategic funding call. Registration is not required, simply save the links below and join on the day.

• Monday 12 October, 13:00-14:00 (aimed at applicants from NHS Trusts): https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/369432220797296?p=MfPoBPgQBkBpL24xX8

• Thursday 15 October, 14:00-15:00 (aimed at applicants from Primary Care and Wider Care Settings): https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/31897681560977?p=n7VMJNuC1RyEwAEWJ9

• Tuesday 20 October, 13:00-14:00 (aimed at Community Organisations and VCFSEs): https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/315059592971966?p=rGf3FMQIz9tCRylug2

Please note, you can attend any and/or all drop-ins, regardless of your setting. These drop in sessions will be recorded with links shared.

Collaboration Support for the Strategic funding call

We are also hosting a 90 minute online session on Monday 12 October, 09:30-11:00, to facilitate collaboration (the involvement of two or more distinct organisations) for Strategic funding call applications.

The session aims provide broad principles of the funding call, as well as provide examples of successful projects. However, the main focus of the session will be to give applicants time to discuss similar project ideas, themes and/or collaboration.

Please complete the registration link and survey to be sent the Zoom link and calendar invite. If you have any questions, please reach out to the East of England RRDN at eoe.rrdn@nihr.ac.uk.

Wider Care Settings funding call drop-in sessions

The East of England RRDN are hosting a series of online drop-in sessions to provide information and support to anyone intending to apply for the Wider Care Settings funding call. Registration is not required, simply save the links below and join on the day.

• Friday 9 October, 13:00-14:00: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/334457173550925?p=z7DW52ybJWTIQ7aX8X

• Tuesday 13 October, 13:00-14:00: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/334457173550925?p=z7DW52ybJWTIQ7aX8X

• Wednesday 28 October, 11:30-12:30: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/346334922959290?p=yobkkWwgd4dMq8U9V2

• Thursday 29 October, 12:00-13:00: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/367730302980838?p=8W0RTQ4Iwe7tjrYHqg

• Monday 2 November, 11:00-12:00: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/330156639114811?p=O6uyTWPqh8DvzJwulU

Please note, you can attend any and/or all drop-ins, regardless of your setting. These drop in sessions will be recorded with links shared.

For more information, including guidance on eligibility criteria and the application process, visit the NIHR website or contact your RRDN team