National Institute for Health and Care Research
We fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing, and promotes economic growth.
News
First UK lung cancer patient receives novel immune therapy
A lung cancer patient at University College London Hospitals is the first to receive a novel cancer vaccine that primes the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells. The vaccine has been made by German biotechnology firm BioNTech. It is being trialled for the first time in the UK, with the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility as the lead research site.
Project funding
We fund a variety of commissioned, researcher-led and themed call research:
- in health, social care and public health
- in Global Health
Career development
We support the development of professionals through:
- personal awards including Fellowships
- practitioner academic training
- Global Health Research careers
Making a Difference
Hospital at home scheme supports older people in the community
NIHR-funded research confirmed that caring for a select group of older, frail patients in their homes - rather than admitting them to hospital - can deliver better and less expensive care.
Identifying mental illness among new and expectant mums
As a recipient of an NIHR Research Professorship award, Professor Louise Howard’s research influenced national policies and increased government funding for perinatal mental health services.
New evidence for shorter early breast cancer treatment
The NIHR-funded PERSEPHONE trial found that 6 months’ treatment with Herceptin (trastuzumab) for women with HER2-positive early breast cancer was as effective as 12 months’ treatment.
Programmes
Applied health and care research on both commissioned and researcher-identified topic areas.
Research Infrastructure
Find out more about our expertise, specialist facilities, research delivery workforce and support services.
Specialty therapy areas
The NIHR funds and supports research:
- in all specialty therapy areas
- delivered by expert clinical leaders and practitioners
- through effective collaboration
Global Health Research
NIHR is a major funder of high quality global health research that directly addresses the diverse health needs of people in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
Journals, publications and data
Explore NIHR-supported research projects, their findings and data from our range of resources:
- 5+ journals and publications for the public, care and research professionals
- 3+ open access health research databases
NIHR annual statistics show over one million participants took part in research in England last year
New figures suggest the public's appetite for taking part in research remains remarkably high after an unprecedented period in research history.