NIHR
Senior Research Leader (SRL) Programme
Cohort 5; closes at 1:00 pm
Last updated:
The NIHR Senior Research Leader (SRL) Programme funds research leadership development for registered nurses, dental nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians employed by DHSC-funded institutions in England. The award supports early-to-mid career professionals to build research capacity and lead projects that address health inequalities within the NHS, social care, and primary care settings.
Details
| Funder | NIHR |
| Deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Recurring |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Senior research leadership award for registered nurses, midwives, dental nurses, AHPs, pharmacists or pharmacy technicians employed by DHSC-funded institutions (NHS trusts, social care, primary care organisations) in England only. Supports individuals to lead research and improve research capacity across their organisation.
Who Should Apply
- •Registered nurses, dental nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians
- •Currently employed by an NHS trust, social care, or primary care organisation in England
- •Professionals ready to develop independent research leadership
- •Projects addressing health inequalities or building research capacity in underrepresented professions
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 7 October 2026, 1:00 pm (Cohort 5)
- •Single-stage application
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This award targets applied research leaders in clinical practice, ground your proposal in service improvement or workforce challenges, not fundamental science.
- ✓The health inequalities and capacity-building remit is central; frame your project's contribution to one or both explicitly.
- ✓Applicants from allied health professions and pharmacy face lower competition than nursing; consider how your clinical specialism strengthens the application uniquely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the NIHR Senior Research Leader Programme?
Registered nurses, dental nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians employed by NHS trusts, social care organisations, or primary care providers in England.
What is the NIHR Senior Research Leader Programme deadline?
The deadline for Cohort 5 is 7 October 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Can I apply to the SRL Programme if I work in social care or primary care?
Yes, the award is open to professionals employed by DHSC-funded social care and primary care organisations in England, as well as NHS trusts.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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