NIHR
Programme Development Grants
July 2026 round; no specific submission deadline stated on page
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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.
NIHR Programme Development Grants provide up to £250,000 over 12 to 24 months to either prepare a future Programme Grant for Applied Research (Stream A) or further develop and disseminate an existing programme grant (Stream B). The call requires NHS bodies to partner with an academic institution, though HEIs can apply alone for public health or social care research administered by local authorities. Applicants must be based in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, and proposals exceeding the £250k cap are treated as uncompetitive.
Details
| Funder | NIHR |
| Budget | Up to £250k |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Consortium | Required — NHS bodies must apply in collaboration with an appropriate academic partner; HEIs may apply as sole contractor where research focuses on public health/social care administered by local authorities |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Two streams: Stream A funds preparatory work for a future Programme Grant for Applied Research (PGfAR); Stream B supports further development or dissemination of an existing programme grant. NHS bodies (with academic partner) or HEIs (for public health/social care) based in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Awards up to £250k; applications exceeding this limit are deemed uncompetitive.
Who Should Apply
- •NHS bodies in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland with an academic partner
- •HEIs applying alone for public health or social care research administered by local authorities
- •Researchers preparing a future application to the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research scheme
- •Teams seeking to extend or disseminate findings from an existing NIHR programme grant
Key Dates
- •July 2026 application round (no specific submission deadline stated)
- •12 to 24 month project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Match your proposal to the correct stream: Stream A is for pre-PGfAR preparatory work, Stream B is for extending or disseminating an existing programme grant, mismatched stream selection weakens applications.
- ✓Keep the budget comfortably under £250k; NIHR explicitly flags applications above this ceiling as uncompetitive.
- ✓If applying as an NHS body, secure a named academic partner early, since sole NHS applications are not eligible outside the HEI public health/social care route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the NIHR Programme Development Grant pay?
Up to £250,000; applications requesting more than this are considered uncompetitive.
How long does the NIHR Programme Development Grant last?
Projects run for 12 to 24 months.
Who can apply for the NIHR Programme Development Grant?
NHS bodies in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland applying with an academic partner, or HEIs applying alone where the research covers public health or social care administered by local authorities.
What is the difference between Stream A and Stream B in this NIHR grant?
Stream A funds preparatory work to build a future Programme Grant for Applied Research (PGfAR) application, while Stream B supports further development or dissemination of an existing programme grant.
Does NIHR require a consortium for this grant?
Yes, NHS bodies must apply jointly with an appropriate academic partner, though HEIs may apply as sole contractor for public health or social care research.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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