NIHR
Development and Skills Enhancement Award
Cohort 11 open; no closing date stated on page. Previous cohort (Cohort 10) closed July 2026.
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 Development and Skills Enhancement Award funds postdoctoral researchers' salaries (up to 24 months FTE) plus training, conference, and mentorship costs to build skills toward a future NIHR personal award or research grant. Open to early- to mid-career researchers with a PhD or MD, hosted at a UK HEI, NHS body, or health and care services provider. This is a career-development award, not research funding, applicants structure the 12-24 month placement to build specific competencies in their chosen research area.
Details
| Funder | NIHR |
| Budget | Salary (up to 24 months FTE) + up to £10k training, £2k conference, £3k mentorship (24-month FTE max) |
| Duration | 12–24 months FTE |
| Consortium | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Postdoctoral career development award for early- to mid-career researchers. Contracting organisation must be a UK HEI, NHS body, or health/care services provider. Funds applicant salary and limited non-salary costs only — not research activities. Goal must be developing skills toward a future NIHR personal award or research grant. PhD or MD required by award start date.
Who Should Apply
- •Postdoctoral researchers with a PhD or MD
- •Researchers hosting at a UK HEI, NHS body, or health/care services provider
- •Early- to mid-career researchers planning to apply for NIHR personal awards or research grants
- •Applicants with a clear skills-development goal aligned to their research trajectory
Key Dates
- •Cohort 11 currently open; closing date not specified on funder page (Cohort 10 closed July 2026)
- •12-24 month award duration, full-time equivalent
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This is a salary-only award: you cannot request funding for research activities or equipment, focus the proposal on skills development and mentor access.
- ✓Frame your skill gaps relative to your next grant target (e.g. trial methodology if planning a ClinicalTrials NIHR call); reviewers assess readiness for the next funding step.
- ✓Include a named, senior mentor with NIHR grant track record; mentorship is a scored element and signals credibility for your future application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award pay for?
Applicant salary (up to 24 months FTE), training costs (up to £10k), conference attendance (up to £2k), and mentorship support (up to £3k). The award does not fund research activities, equipment, or consumables.
Who is eligible for the NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award?
Early- to mid-career postdoctoral researchers with a PhD or MD, hosted at a UK HEI, NHS body, or health/care services provider, planning to apply for future NIHR grants.
How long is the NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award?
The award runs for 12-24 months full-time equivalent, depending on applicant needs and funder assessment.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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