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 United Kingdom government agency responsible for funding and coordinating health and care research. It was established in 2006 to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and plays a crucial role in supporting the research infrastructure in the UK.

History

The NIHR was established in April 2006 as part of the UK government's strategy to improve the nation's health through research. It was created to address the need for a more coordinated approach to health research funding and to ensure 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 patients and the public.
• Supporting the training and development of health researchers.
• Providing the infrastructure to support research in the NHS and other health and care settings.
• Engaging with patients, carers, and the public to ensure that research is relevant and impactful.

Structure

The NIHR is structured into several key components:

• Research Programmes: These fund research projects in specific areas of health and care.
• Research Infrastructure: This includes Biomedical Research Centres, Clinical Research Facilities, and other centres that provide the necessary environment for conducting research.
• Research Schools: These focus on specific areas such as primary care, public health, and social care.
• Training and Career Development: The NIHR provides funding and support for the training and development of researchers at all stages of their careers.

Funding

The NIHR is primarily funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. It allocates funding through competitive processes to ensure that the best research is supported. The funding is used to support a wide range of research activities, from basic science to applied research that directly impacts patient care.

Impact

The NIHR has had a significant impact on health and care research in the UK. It has supported numerous studies that have led to improvements in patient care and public health. The NIHR also plays a key role in supporting the UK's life sciences industry by providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to conduct high-quality research.

Engagement with Patients and the Public

The NIHR is committed to involving patients and the public in all aspects of its work. This includes involving them in the design and conduct of research studies, as well as in the dissemination of research findings. The NIHR believes that involving patients and the public leads to more relevant and impactful research.

Related pages

• Department of Health and Social Care
• National Health Service
• Medical research
• Clinical trials

The NIHR operates under the UK Open Government Licence