National Institute for Health and Care Research

UK government agency for health and care research

Logo of the National Institute for Health and Care Research

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is a major funder of clinical, public health, social care, and translational research in the United Kingdom. Established in 2006, the NIHR aims to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. It is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

History

The NIHR was established in April 2006 under the leadership of the then Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson. The creation of the NIHR was part of a broader strategy to improve the infrastructure for health research in the UK, ensuring that research findings are translated into practice to benefit patients and the public.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the NIHR is to "improve the health and wealth of the nation through research." Its objectives include:

• Funding high-quality research that benefits the NHS, public health, and social care.
• Engaging and involving patients, carers, and the public in research.
• Attracting, training, and supporting the best researchers.
• Investing in world-class research facilities and a skilled workforce.
• Partnering with other public funders, charities, and industry to maximize the value of research.

Structure

The NIHR is structured into several key components:

Research Programmes

The NIHR funds a range of research programmes that address different health and care challenges. These include the Health Technology Assessment Programme, the Public Health Research Programme, and the Health Services and Delivery Research Programme.

Research Infrastructure

The NIHR supports a comprehensive research infrastructure, including:

• Biomedical Research Centres
• Clinical Research Facilities
• Patient Safety Translational Research Centres

Training and Career Development

The NIHR provides training and career development opportunities for researchers at all stages of their careers, from doctoral students to senior investigators.

Impact

The NIHR has had a significant impact on health and care research in the UK. It has supported thousands of research projects, leading to improvements in patient care and public health. The NIHR also plays a crucial role in the UK's response to health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Involvement

The NIHR is committed to involving patients and the public in all aspects of its work. This includes setting research priorities, designing studies, and disseminating findings. The NIHR believes that involving the public leads to research that is more relevant and impactful.

International Collaboration

The NIHR collaborates with international partners to address global health challenges. It is involved in initiatives such as the Global Health Research Programme, which funds research to improve health outcomes in low and middle-income countries.

The NIHR operates under the UK Open Government Licence

Related pages

• Department of Health and Social Care
• National Health Service
• Medical Research Council (United Kingdom)
• Public Health England