NIHR Research Capability Funding - Applications are Open!

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 NIHR Research Capability Funding.

Please see details of this years NIHR Research Capability Funding call, being run by the R&D department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

NIHR Research Capability Funding (RCF) is a research funding stream awarded to Trusts on an annual basis which helps research-active NHS organisations to attract, develop and retain the research workforce necessary to deliver high quality health research.

The funding will be for a maximum of 12 months, with a funding limit between £10k-£20k depending on the applicant’s planned NIHR call application (for more details please see the guidance information link below).

Applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:

• Likelihood to lead to a NIHR grant application within the next 18 months
• Importance of the problem being addressed, especially in relation to the NNUH research strategy and patients
• The impact of the proposed RCF activities in improving the chance of success of a NIHR grant, including the PPIE and EDI involvement
• That the RCF activities are clear and achievable with the collaborative team and within the proposed timeframe. That any risks have been assessed and mitigated
• That the research team have got the expertise and experience to move the work forward, including beyond the RCF to a NIHR grant

Examples of what RCF could be used for are (not an exhaustive list)

• background literature searches
• pilot work to generate preliminary or underpinning data
• preliminary biomarker testing
• analysis of preliminary or underpinning data
• stakeholder meetings
• workshops with collaborators
• patient and public involvement (PPI) work

Awards can only be used to support the salary of individuals named in the application, and funds have to be spent in year. It is a requirement for successful applicants to provide interim reports during the award.

Any queries or you want to discuss potential applications please contact research.grants@nnuh.nhs.uk

Please send completed applications to research.grants@nnuh.nhs.uk by Monday 13 April 2026 at 17:00. Late applications will not be reviewed