The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has awarded more than £4.6 million to 18 new research projects, aimed at strengthening the role of under-represented disciplines and specialisms across the health and care workforce.
This latest round marks the fourth funding call delivered through NIHR’s Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme, continuing a targeted effort to widen participation in research leadership. For the first time, eligibility was expanded to include a broader group of registered health and care professionals (HCPs) – such as practitioner psychologists, pharmacists and healthcare scientists – who had previously been unable to apply.
Diverse research tackling real patient challenges
The funded projects span a wide range of priorities, reflecting the diversity of clinical expertise now being brought into the research pipeline. Topics include:
- Improving mental health support for children with food allergies
- Evaluating personalised wellbeing planning to prevent depression in cancer survivors
By embedding research into everyday clinical practice, the programme aims to deliver tangible improvements in patient outcomes and service delivery across the NHS.
Building the next generation of research leaders
A key requirement of this funding round was that all applications be led by early-career researchers, supported by a senior joint lead acting as a mentor. Each project is also underpinned by experienced, multidisciplinary teams.
This model is designed to grow research capacity across professions that have historically been under-represented, while ensuring robust governance and knowledge sharing.
The initiative aligns closely with the NIHR’s wider strategy to diversify the research workforce and create clearer career pathways for clinicians outside traditional academic routes.
Unlocking the potential of the NHS workforce
Registered health and care professionals represent the largest single workforce group in the NHS, yet many have traditionally faced barriers to entering research leadership roles. This funding call forms part of a wider investment programme to help these professionals integrate research into their careers.
Professor Kevin Munro, Director of the Research for Patient Benefit Programme, said:
“Registered health and care professionals bring invaluable insight to research, yet many haven’t previously had the chance to lead funded studies. This call was designed to change that.
“By supporting early career researchers, we’re building a more inclusive research community. I’m delighted that we’re funding 18 innovative projects that will make a real difference to patients and services.”
What’s next?
The NIHR has confirmed that momentum will continue:
- A separate funding call for nurses and midwives has recently closed, with outcomes expected in early 2027
- A new opportunity for under-represented HCPs will open at the end of 2026
- Standard RfPB funding rounds will continue to encourage applications from a broader mix of disciplines
For NHS leaders and system partners, this shift signals a growing recognition that innovation and improvement rely on insights from across the full multidisciplinary workforce – not just traditional research roles.
Image credit: iStock
