Funding call - January 2025

Funding opportunity from NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health - Local Authority Research Practitioners (LARPs)

Opportunity to apply for £50,000 for 24 months (pro rata for reduced timeframes) to appoint a LARP. 

This call is open to colleagues in local authorities in England. Those in the devolved nations should speak with relevant funders to explore similar opportunities.  NIHR Health Determinant Research Collaborations (HDRCs) and local authorities who have previously submitted a successful LARP application are not eligible for this call. 

LARPs are dedicated to facilitating public health research and supporting the development of research governance systems and processes, enabling public health research to happen within local authorities and the communities they serve.   

Successful local authorities will receive up to £50,000 per award for a period of 24 months (pro rata for reduced timeframes) i.e. the maximum available for 12 months is £25,000. The award will be a contribution (typically 50% where the post is 1FTE) to the salary costs of a LARP and includes the employer's contribution to National Insurance and Superannuation. The local authority, or wider local system, is expected to match fund and provide significant ‘in kind’ support, the employer must be a local authority. 

Before applying, we recommend reading the LARP role description, frequently asked questions, and application guidance. Please note this is a new application form, if you are reapplying you must use the new application form. You can also watch our application process and support webinar.

Application timeline: 

• Opening date for applications: Thursday 14 November 2024

• Application process and support webinar: 21 November 2024, 10-11.30am

• Closing date for applications: 5pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025. Please email your completed application to NIHR.RSS.PublicHealth@newcastle.ac.uk

• Panel meeting date: Week commencing 3 February 2025 

• Decisions announced: Mid/late February 2025 

• Funding commences:  1 April 2025 – 30 September 2025 date to be agreed between the SCPH (Newcastle University and partners) and the local authority. 

Local authorities awarded LARP funding are subject to NIHR Standard Award Terms and Conditions in so far as they are relevant to LARPs. Local authorities are supplied with a LARP award contract that supersedes some T&Cs where appropriate. 

This funding is provided by the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH) delivered by Newcastle University and Partners.