Across the NIHR HDRC Coventry partnership, there was no clear or consistent way of collaboratively identifying and scoping research funding opportunities. Improving this was identified as a priority following the first HDRC annual report to NIHR, which highlighted a need to strengthen progress in securing research funding.
Securing research funding is competitive, with limited resources and a high number of applications for each competition, placing strong emphasis on impact, feasibility and research inclusion. As a result, funders are looking for excellent ideas, and teams that can realistically deliver them. Collaboration can play a key role, bringing together complementary skills, experience, and perspectives.