NIHR
Biomedical Research Centres
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check NIHR's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The NIHR Biomedical Research Centres programme funds established research centres hosted by NHS organisations in England to conduct early-phase translational research over five years (2028-2033). Single NHS hosts may apply, with optional partnership from universities and NHS Trusts; HEIs can claim 100% of direct costs. The call prioritises staff salaries and requires non-staff spending to be fully justified; centres requesting over £50M must demonstrate capacity-building in underserved areas, with an additional £5M available for matched industry partnerships.
Details
| Funder | NIHR |
| Duration | 5 years (2028–2033) |
| Consortium | Required — single NHS host organisation in England; funding distributed to partners (NHS Trusts, HEIs) via subcontracting or collaboration agreements; all funding-receiving partners must be formally named in the application |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Only NHS organisations based in England eligible to host; HEIs may partner and claim 100% Direct Costs (no Indirect Costs). Up to £50M per BRC; up to £55M with substantial industry matched co-investment (cash or in-kind). 20% of total budget must fund research capacity development. Supports early-phase translational research infrastructure for 2028–2033 cycle.
Who Should Apply
- •NHS organisations or NHS service providers in England acting as host organisation
- •Higher education institutions seeking 100% direct cost funding alongside NHS partners
- •Consortia combining NHS Trusts, provider organisations and universities for translational research
- •Centres with capacity to conduct early-phase translational research and demonstrate clinical impact
- •Applicants planning industry partnerships on a matched-investment basis (additional £5M available)
Key Dates
- •Two-stage application: outline application followed by full application and interview
- •Five-year project duration from 2028 to 2033
Tips for Applicants
- ✓HEIs can claim 100% direct costs (no indirect cost restriction) when partnered with an NHS host, use this to maximise research capacity investment.
- ✓If requesting over £50M, frontload evidence of capacity-building in research areas currently underserved by NIHR early-phase translational funding; this is a gating criterion for large budgets.
- ✓Industry partnership lever: a matched-investment deal unlocks an additional £5M, but requires naming all formal partners and investment commitments upfront in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a university lead a NIHR Biomedical Research Centre application?
No, the host organisation must be an NHS organisation or NHS service provider in England. Universities may partner and claim 100% of direct costs, but cannot be the lead applicant.
What are the main costs funded by NIHR Biomedical Research Centres?
The programme primarily funds staff salaries; non-staff costs must be proportionate and fully justified in the application.
Is a consortium required for the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre?
No, single NHS host organisations may apply, but collaboration with university and NHS Trust partners is strongly encouraged.
What is the budget cap for the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre?
There is no stated overall cap, but centres requesting over £50M must demonstrate capacity-building in currently underserved areas of early-phase translational research.
How much additional funding is available for industry partnerships in the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre?
An additional £5M is available on a matched-investment basis for substantial industry partnerships, with all partners formally named in the application.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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