Conference steering group, member survey, and more.
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As we celebrate NIHR20, marking two decades of transformative health and social care research, it is a natural moment to reflect on our collective impact. I highly recommend Professor Lucy Chappell’s latest blog, which looks back at this extraordinary legacy and explores how we will continue to improve lives and strengthen the UK’s research economy in the years ahead.
Your input is vital to our future direction. There is still time to share your views in the NIHR Academy Member Survey 2026 before it closes on 20 February.
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Professor Waljit Dhillo |
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Your feedback directly shapes the support we provide, so please do take a few minutes to have your say. I also invite you to help shape our flagship Academy Members' Conference 2026 on 6 and 7 October by joining our steering group. It is a fantastic way to influence the event’s direction.
Finally, we are pleased to offer practical support through the Academy Member Event Fund for post-doctoral researchers, alongside a range of other development opportunities, including wellbeing workshops and webinars designed to help you thrive. I hope you find these opportunities both useful and inspiring as you progress in your career.
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As we celebrate NIHR20, marking two decades of transformative health and social care research, it is a natural moment to reflect on our collective impact. I highly recommend Professor Lucy Chappell’s latest blog, which looks back at this extraordinary legacy and explores how we will continue to improve lives and strengthen the UK’s research economy in the years ahead.
Your input is vital to our future direction. There is still time to share your views in the NIHR Academy Member Survey 2026 before it closes on 20 February. Your feedback directly shapes the support we provide, so please do take a few minutes to have your say. I also invite you to help shape our flagship Academy Members' Conference 2026 on 6 and 7 October by joining our steering group. It is a fantastic way to influence the event’s direction.
Finally, we are pleased to offer practical support through the Academy Member Event Fund for post-doctoral researchers, alongside a range of other development opportunities, including wellbeing workshops and webinars designed to help you thrive. I hope you find these opportunities both useful and inspiring as you progress in your career.
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Best wishes,
Professor Waljit Dhillo Dean of the NIHR Academy
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Last chance: NIHR Academy Member Survey 2026 |
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Time is running out to share your thoughts in the NIHR Academy Member Survey 2026.If you haven’t taken part yet, please take less than 10 minutes to tell us how we can better support your development. Your input is vital in helping us refine our networking opportunities and member support services.
Don't miss the chance to have your voice heard, the survey closes on 20 February 2026. |
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Join the steering group: Academy Members' Conference 2026 |
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Are you interested in helping shape the Academy Members' Conference 2026? We’re inviting a select group of members to join our steering group to influence the event’s content and format, and play an active role during the conference itself.
If you’d like to be part of the steering group, please complete the expression of interest form by 5pm on 24 February. |
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NIHR at 20: powering the health and wealth of the nation |
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This year we’re celebrating 20 years of life‑changing health and social care research. In her latest blog, NIHR Chief Executive Officer Professor Lucy Chappell reflects on the impact the NIHR has made to the UK’s health research ecosystem in the last 20 years and how the NIHR will build on two decades of progress, delivering research that improves lives and strengthens the UK’s economy.
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Research leadership in radiography: embedding research into practice |
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Dr Lisa Ledger, NIHR Assistant Director of Allied Health Professions, recently shared with the Society of Radiographers how her role will be instrumental in shaping research for radiographers. She explains the challenges facing radiographers pursuing research careers and how NIHR can address these barriers, as well as sharing resources and advice to those considering undertaking research.
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Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
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Gender equality in science drives better research and better health outcomes. For the past 20 years, NIHR has promoted gender equality in health and care research. Since 2008, at least 60% of all our personal award holders are female and the number of Research Professorships allocated to women has increased from 35% to 60%.
Professor Helen Murphy and Dr Shaarna Shanmugavadivel share what inspired them into research and their first advice to women and girls that are interested in research. |
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Funding and research updates
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Now open: Academy Member Event Fund |
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Are you planning to hold an event that promotes NIHR Academy programmes and supports prospective applicants? The Academy Member Event Fund is available to postdoctoral Academy Members to help cover costs.
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New award celebrates AHP research excellence |
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The NIHR is proud to sponsor a brand-new category at the Advancing Healthcare Awards: the AHP Research Excellence Award.
This award recognises Allied Health Professionals who are driving innovation and improving patient outcomes through vital evidence-based practice. We are committed to celebrating the incredible impact AHPs make on the research landscape. Please share this opportunity with your networks to ensure these contributions are recognised.
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NIHR SSCR Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme |
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| Applications close 8 May at 5pm |
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Applications are now open for the NIHR School for Social Care Research (SSCR) Post-Doctoral Fellowships, which support researchers developing careers in social care research.
Fellows can access up to £200,000 over 24 months to cover salary, research, training and professional development. Please contact sscr@york.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme |
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| Applications close 1 May at 5pm |
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The NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme is open for applications, offering up to £160,000 over two years for researchers pursuing careers in dementia research. This scheme is open to those within three years of PhD completion (or awaiting viva) and fellowships must be hosted at one of the Three Schools’ member institutions. Please contact sscr@york.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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Development opportunities |
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Discover the NIHR Research Support Service |
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The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) provides researchers access to a national network of research experts who offer free, tailored advice and support to help you to develop your Career Development Award application. To find out more about the wide range of support available and to request support visit the NIHR RSS website.
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Webinar: Launch of e-learning in public mental health research |
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Find out more about the new 'Introduction to Public Mental Health Research' e-learning course on NIHR Learn at a webinar at 12pm on 25 February. The resource aims to help people working in primary care, mental health and public health to build confidence, knowledge and skills in public mental health research.
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Webinar: How to develop a successful PPI group |
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Join the eleventh NIHR 'PPI in Action' webinar to learn how to build a successful PPI group. The Bristol-based heart surgery prehabilitation team will share practical advice on co-designing research, candidly discussing both the triumphs and the challenges faced.
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Future Focused Leadership Programme - Leaders Stream |
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| Applications close 5 March at 1pm |
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Last chance:NIHR mentoring programme |
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| Applications close 18 February at 5pm |
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We are seeking mentors (mid-career to senior leaders) and mentees (final-year PhDs or postdoctoral NIHR Academy Members) from all professional backgrounds. Both mentees and mentors gain new perspectives, fresh ideas and expand their professional networks.
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| Apply by 26 February at 12pm |
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Protect and improve your wellbeing |
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Current NIHR Academy awards
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Open predoctoral and doctoral awards
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Predoctoral Award
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12 March 2026 |
| Funding to complete a masters degree, or a tailored training and development programme with masters-level training. |
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NEW ROUND!
Pre-Application Support Fund |
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19 March 2026 |
| Up to 12 months of flexible funding to help you prepare a competitive application to an NIHR career development award. |
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18 March 2026 |
| A prize to celebrate 20 outstanding rising research leaders at early to mid-career level, who go above and beyond to advance the mission of the NIHR. |
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NIHR Incubator Competition 2026 |
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23 April 2026 |
| NIHR Incubators offer the opportunity to delve into the complex issues and barriers that exist in capacity building in a particular area. |
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3 March 2026 |
| We are partnering with the Medical Research Council (MRC), Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to grow clinical research capacity and improve career paths through the aligned Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF). |
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Development & Skills Enhancement award |
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11 March 2026 |
| Do you have a PhD but currently spend all your time working clinically? Would you like to return to a research career? Our Development & Skills Enhancement Award could help you. |
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31 March 2026 |
| NIHR Clinical Lectureships (CL) facilitate applications for further research funding for dentists working towards gaining a certificate of completion of specialty training.
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| NEW ROUND!
Academy Member Event Fund 2026 |
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31 December 2026 |
| This fund is available to postdoctoral NIHR Academy Members to hold events that promote the NIHR's career development programmes. |
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1 September 2026 |
| NIHR CLs provide opportunities for postdoctoral research and facilitate applications for further research funding for doctors working towards gaining a certificate of completion of specialty training (CCT). |
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