An update on our research delivery pilot

The pilot will: 

• understand the needs of researchers working in non-NHS public health settings 

• co-design a new delivery support service with researchers and stakeholders 

• expand pre award support, including study placement and feasibility 

• test post award delivery support, helping researchers to implement their studies 

Over the last 3 months we have been working closely with RDN colleagues to establish ways of working and refine the process for eligibility and cross-referrals. We have also appointed a Public Health Senior Research Delivery Manager and a Public Health Research Deliver Manager, both of whom bring a wealth of experience to the pilot.

We have also attended meetings with the RDN Board, our Public and Community Partnerships Advisory Board and our Public Health Engagement Leads to talk about the pilot, and to share our plans and explore how colleagues and stakeholders can be involved.

In early 2026, as part of our scoping activity,  we will be reaching out to local authorities, Health Determinants Research Collaborations and public health researchers with experience of carrying out research in settings outside of the NHS. 

By September 2027, the pilot will deliver recommendations on how a future service could be structured, scaled, and hosted. 

If you’d like to find out more about the pilot, please get in touch with us: nihr.rss.publichealthdelivery@newcastle.ac.uk