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
More research-active GPs enable more people to take part in research locally
Data from the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) shows that during 2023/24 more than half of all GP practices in England (56%) took part in clinical research supported by the CRN.
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
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.
Giving preterm babies the best start from birth
Results of NIHR-funded research into the best feeding approach for extremely preterm babies have informed national guidelines, cut NHS costs & supported a consistent approach to practice
Test for sore throat cuts antibiotic use by nearly a third
A clinical scoring test developed by NIHR-funded researchers has cut the use of antibiotics prescribed for sore throats by nearly a third and a cost-effective approach to manage patients’ symptoms.
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.