Funding calls

Now open: Introduction to public health research - training and development award 

Formerly the Public Health Grassroots Awards

Apply for up to £5000 to undertake training or an activity to develop your skills and knowledge in public health research  

This funding is specifically for individuals working in public health or a role tackling the wider determinants of health who have little or no research experience. The funding is for individuals, not teams. The maximum available funding is £5000 and can be used for one ‘activity’ or multiple. Activities may include attending a relevant UK public health research conference, completing relevant training or a university research methods module, and/or shadowing a research team. 

Book a 1-2-1 chat with a member of the team to discuss your potential application. All questions are welcome, big or small.  

You can also watch a webinar we held for potential applicants. 

Application timeline:

• Opening date for applications: Thursday 1 October 2026  

• Closing date for applications: 5pm on Thursday 29 October 2026  

• Panel meeting date: Thursday 26 November 2026  

• Decisions announced: w/c Monday 30 November  

Now open: NIHR Pre-application support fund (cohort 10)

The Pre-Application Support Fund offers extra support for you to prepare a competitive application for an NIHR career development award.

The scheme is open to individuals at all career stages. It offers up to 12 months of flexible funding and will normally last a minimum of 6 months.

This funding enhances the opportunities and support available to those who otherwise may not be able to apply for one of our career development awards. You can enhance your skills and knowledge through bespoke training, placements and mentorship.

Application timeline:

• Opening date for applications: Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 1pm

• Closing date for applications: Thursday 19 November 2026 at 1pm

Remember, speak to us early to access support with your application by completing our online contact form.

The NIHR Public Health Research Programme has the following funding calls open:

• NIHR NICE rolling funding opportunity

• PHR researcher-led

• Health Technology Assessment NIHR rolling funding opportunity

• NIHR James Lind Alliance Priority Settings Partnerships rolling funding opportunity

• Transition from education to employment

• Using ‘big data’ to impact health and health inequalities

• Air quality in indoor public spaces, workplace settings and transport microenvironments

• Women’s health communication

• Housing, place and the built environment for an ageing population

• Public Health Research Programme Rapid Funding Scheme

Remember, speak to us early to access support for NIHR Public Health Research Programme funding calls by completing our online contact form.

NIHR Fellowship personal awards and associated opportunities  

NIHR Academy have simplified the fellowship offering, which is moving from NIHR Fellowships, NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic (ICA) Fellowships and Local Authority Academic Fellowships (LAAF) awards to a single award application based on career stage: 

• predoctoral

• doctoral 

• postdoctoral

We can help with your application, just fill in our online contact form. 

Find out more about research career funding opportunities.