In this section
The following is a list of some of the principal sources of research and research fellowship opportunities for NMAHPs. Click on the links to find out more.
General research funding for AHPs
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care
Members are able to apply for up to £300 to assist with their education and development (not for travel or one day training courses). This would usually be a contribution towards a development opportunity where there is a substantial cost (several hundred pounds or more). Examples would be a contribution to funding a postgraduate degree module or to support the presentation of a member’s research at an international conference.
Further details: https://www.acprc.org.uk/resources/education-support/
Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists
Funds postgraduate education, research, centre visits and CPD awards to members, including travel and accommodation to attend or present at conferences or courses, MSc bursaries.
Private Physiotherapy Education Foundation (PPEF)
Funds research by registered physiotherapists only.
Deadline 21 January 2022
Further information: https://ppef.org.uk/grants-awards/
Elizabeth Casson Trust
Offers funding for Occupational Therapists to attend courses such as Post-registration Masters or Doctoral studies, or design learning events, as well as innovation awards and pump-primer research awards. Also offers funding for conferences and international scholarships awards.
Further details: https://elizabethcasson.org.uk/support-development/funding/
General research funding for Nurses and midwives
Royal College of Nursing
- RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme – Grants of up to £1,600 for continuous professional development in: adult nursing, children’s nursing, learning disability nursing and mental health nursing
- RCN Foundation Needlemakers – If you use needles in your work and are doing postgraduate study or a professional short course, you could be eligible for up to £1,000 through this grant
- Monica Baly Grant – Grants of up to £1,000 available for a history of nursing related project/course/activity
- Marica Mackie and Rae Bequest – Grants available for nurses in Northern Ireland for professional development
Further details: https://www.rcn.org.uk/professional-development/scholarships-and-bursaries
Foundation of Nursing Studies
The Richard Tompkins Nurse Development Scholarship 2021
Development opportunity for a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor to attend a 5-day residential international practice development school, 12 months mentorship to support an innovation in practice and to publish a paper in the International Practice Development Journal.
The General Nursing Council for England and Wales Trust
Annual research grants for registered nurses.
Further information: http://www.gnct.org.uk/grants/
Florence Nightingale Foundation
Leadership Scholarship
Open to registered nurses and midwives of band 7 or above ‘to enable scholars to explore and discover their own leadership style and develop the essential skills to be a courageous and confident leader.’ Scholars must complete an improvement project as part of their award. The scholarship requires financial contribution from the employer of £1000.
Travel Scholarship
Offers funding to travel in the UK or overseas to study new models of care, patient safety and quality improvement and share best practice.
CRH Charitable Trust
Funding for nurses or midwives to research a mental health project.
Further details: https://florence-nightingale-foundation.org.uk/scholarships/leadership-scholarship-2022/
Iolanthe Midwifery Trust
Fund midwives to attend study and training days, elective placements, organising conferences and training and research.
Further details: https://www.iolanthe.org/grants-awards/what-do-we-fund#training
Sands Research Fund
Funds research with a focus on:
- understanding the causes of stillbirth and neonatal death, and/or
- identifying pregnancies at risk of perinatal deaths, and/or
- improving interventions to manage at-risk pregnancies, or
- optimising bereavement care.
Research must also fit within the research priorities identified by the Stillbirth Priority Setting Partnership www.jla.nihr.ac.uk/priority-setting-partnerships/stillbirth
Further information: https://www.sands.org.uk/about-sands/our-work/research/apply-research-funding
General Research funding for any NMAHP
The Royal Society of Medicine
Maternity & the Newborn Forum: Luke Zander Research Support Bursary
Funding of £500 and a year RSM membership offered to students, trainees and other professionals who specialise in maternity and/ or surrounding disciplines who are registered in the UK to enable them to progress their research in the field of maternity care or care of the newborn.
Maternity & the Newborn Forum: Wendy Savage Bursary
Funding of £750 to cover overseas travel or £500 to cover travel within the UK and a year’s free RSM membership to enable applicants to attend a conference to present a paper based on their research in the field of maternity care or care of the newborn.
Maternity & the Newborn Forum: Basil Lee Bursary for Innovation in Communication
Funding of £500 and a year’s free RSM membership to enable applicants to develop their new media skills which relate to the subject of maternity care or care of the newborn.
Wellbeing of Women
Fund research scholarships, training fellowships, postdoctoral research fellowships and research project funding for midwives, nursehttps://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/for-researchers s and AHPs.
Further details: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/for-researchers
Glaucoma UK
Open call Glaucoma Care Grant (open to all health and social care professionals, particularly NMAHPs) funds research up to £50,000.
Further details: https://glaucoma.uk/research-hub/research-grants/
NIHR ICA Mentorship Scheme
Offers individuals holding doctoral or post-doctoral ICA awards the opportunity for free one-to-one clinical academic career mentorship by an appropriate mentor.
Further information: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm#six
General NIHR Research Funding opportunities:
Further details: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/researchers/funding-opportunities/
Pre-doctoral research funding
Pre-doctoral research funding for AHPs
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Charitable Trust Pre-Doctoral Scheme (formerly Scheme B)
This scheme is available to novice researchers, supported by one or more experienced supervisors. Up to £25,000 funding available for individual projects. Any applications requesting more than this amount are considered individually on merit.
Further information: https://www.csp.org.uk/professional-clinical/research-and-evaluation/research-funding/physiotherapy-research-foundation
Pre-doctoral research funding for Nurses and Midwives
Royal College of Midwifery Wellbeing of Women
Funds Entry-level Research Scholarships (ELS) which provide successful candidates with up to £20,000 for research lasting normally up to one year. Awards are intended to provide ‘pump-priming’ funds to enable midwives to be exposed to a research environment and to obtain pilot data that will enhance an application for a research fellowship (PhD or MD).
Further information: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/funding-opportunities/entry-level-research-scholarships-for-midwives
The Barbers’ Company Clinical Nursing Scholarship
Support fees or subsistence of a registered nurse/midwife undertaking a Masters or PhD programme (relevant to nursing/midwifery) in an academic department in the United Kingdom. The award is specifically intended for nurses/midwives in, or planning to return to, clinical practice.
Further details: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-finder/scholarships-a-z/the-barbers-company-clinical-nursing-scholarship
Pre-doctoral research funding for any NHAHP
Wellome Trust Master’s Studentships in Humanities and Social Science
Although the Wellcome are changing their funding schemes, there are still some opportunities for funded Masters studentships at The University of Manchester.
Wellcome Trust Master’s studentship in History of Medicine/Medical Humanities
Further details: https://www.chstm.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/funding/#LocalFunding
HEE/NIHR Pre-doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship
Offers two funding tracks:
- Funding to support the submission of a doctoral fellowship application and to undertake a programme of academic training at Masters level;
2. Funding to support submission of a doctoral fellowship application and to undertake a small amount of academic training at Masters level (PCAF Bridge).
Further information: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm
HEE/NIHR ICA Pre-Doctoral Bridging Award
for those who have completed a Masters level qualification (or evidence of postgraduate study at level 7) and are looking to further their clinical academic career through doctoral level study and is designed to support those wishing to apply for the HEE ICA Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship or equivalent.
Further information: https://research.northwest.nhs.uk/work/pre-doc-bridging/
Doctoral Research Funding
Doctoral Research funding for AHPs
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Research Career Development Grant
Offers support towards doctoral or early postdoctoral (up to five years from completion of PhD or similar) research for individuals who can demonstrate their intention to pursue a research career pathway as an occupational therapy researcher.
Further information: https://www.rcot.co.uk/practice-resources/research-and-development
Doctoral funding for Nurses and Midwives
The Barbers’ Company Clinical Nursing Scholarship
Support fees or subsistence of a registered nurse/midwife undertaking a Masters or PhD programme (relevant to nursing/midwifery) in an academic department in the United Kingdom. The award is specifically intended for nurses/midwives in, or planning to return to, clinical practice.
Further details: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-finder/scholarships-a-z/the-barbers-company-clinical-nursing-scholarship
Doctoral Research Funding for any NMAHP
Alzheimer’s Society PhD Studentship Grants
Funding of up to £85,000 is provided for up to three years (up to five years part-time) and includes a stipend (£15,000-£16,000 per year), university PhD fees at UK rates, consumables & equipment, and conference dissemination support.
Further information: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/researchers/our-funding-schemes/phd-studentships
Arthritis Research UK Clinical research fellowships
These are PhD awards of up to three years funding, designed to encourage clinically qualified professionals into an academic research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions.
Further details: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/fellowships/types-of-fellowship/
Arthritis Research UK PhD scholarship scheme
Scholarships are awarded annually, to enable applicants to embark on a research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. Applications should be made by the proposed supervisor at an eligible institute and may include a named student.
- 1+3-year model will allow for the completion of a relevant MRes/MSc in year 1, followed by 3 years of PhD funding.
- 3+1-year model will provide 3 years of PhD funding (stipend, fees and consumables) with the option of applying for supplemental funding for year 4 if required.
These scholarships provide a tax-free incremental stipend, UK tuition fees, improved running costs of £10,000 per year (capped at £10,000 in year 4 of a 3+1 model) and a travel grant for conference attendance.
Further information: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/fellowships/types-of-fellowship/
British Heart Foundation Research Training Fellowships for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals
Funds PhDs for NMAHPs related to the improvement of care and outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.
Further information: https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/research-training-fellowships-for-nurses-and-allied-health-professionals
Kidney Research UK Allied Health Professional Fellowships (clinical)
The purpose of these awards is to enable nurses and allied health professionals to undertake a renal research study and obtain a higher degree (e.g. MSC, DPhil or PhD).
Further details: https://kidneyresearchuk.org/research/research-grants/fellowships-and-phd-studentships/
NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (CDRF)
The CDRF is a three year award (up to six years part time). Approximately 80% of awardee time will be spend undertaking a PhD by research, and further professional development. The remaining 20% of fellowship hours will be spent devoted to clinical practice and professional development.
Further details: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm#three
Wellcome Trust 4ward North PhD Academy for Health Professionals
A collaboration between Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield Universities. 25 PhD fellowships will be funded over 5 years.
Further information: https://www.4wardnorth.org.uk/4ward-north-programme
University Scholarships
Many universities have their own PhD funding opportunities. Look on their websites for details.
The University of Manchester
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/funded-programmes/
Manchester Metropolitan University
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/scholarships/integrated-health-and-social-care/
The University of Central Lancashire
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/studentships
University of Salford
Details of funded PhD programmes can be found at: https://www.salford.ac.uk/postgraduate-research/fees
Post-doctoral research funding
Post-doctoral research funding for AHPs
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Charitable Trust Post-Doctoral Scheme (formerly Scheme C). Funds post-doctoral research of up to £25,000 but may fund more according to the merit of the proposal.
Further details: https://www.csp.org.uk/professional-clinical/research-and-evaluation/research-funding/physiotherapy-research-foundation
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
The RCOT Research Career Development Grant offers support towards doctoral or early post-doctoral (up to five years from completion of PhD or similar) research for individuals who can demonstrate their intention to pursue a research career pathway as an occupational therapy researcher.
Further information: https://www.rcot.co.uk/practice-resources/research-and-development
Post-doctoral research funding for Nurses and Midwives
General Nursing Council for England and Wales
The General Nursing Council for England and Wales funds research proposals from early and mid-career researchers who are supported, as appropriate, by more expert researchers.
Further details: https://mft.nhs.uk/the-trust/other-departments/nmahp-research-unit-manchester/sources-of-nmahp-phd-funding/
Post-doctoral research funding for any NMAHP
NIHR/HEE Post-Doctoral Bridging Award
The post-doctoral bridging award is for those who hold a PhD (or are due to complete immediately before commencement of the scheme) and want to develop research careers whilst continuing with their clinical practice and clinical development. The award is designed to support those intending to apply for the HEE ICA Clinical Lectureship Scheme (CL) or equivalent
NIHR Clinical and Senior Clinical Lectureships
Clinical Lectureships – support those in the early stages of their post-doctoral career who wish to establish themselves as independent practitioner academic researchers over the course of the award.
Senior Clinical Lectureships – support those already establishing themselves as independent clinical researchers but not yet recognised as leaders in their field.
Further information: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/academy-programmes/hee-nihr-integrated-clinical-academic-programme.htm#four
Dunhill Jointly funded post-doctoral fellowship with RNID
This Fellowship scheme aims to build research capacity in hearing research, by supporting the career development of the UK’s most talented new ‘investigators’ towards becoming independent scientists.
Further information: https://dunhillmedical.org.uk/apply-for-funding/
Dunhill Multiple PhD Studentship scheme
Offers funding for research institutions to support cohorts of PhD students. Applications to this scheme are invited from experienced PhD supervisors within academic departments/centres at a UK university, or other eligible research organisations, which focus on or whose institution supports them in a strategic plan to focus on ageing-related research.
Further information: https://dunhillmedical.org.uk/apply-for-funding/
The Healthcare Studies Research Institute
Funds post-doctoral research fellowships for NMAHPs.
Further details: https://www.thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk/fellowships/post-doctoral-fellowships/
Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice
Enables NMAHPs to spend up to 12 months in the United States, working with leading US experts to study health care delivery reforms and critical issues on the health policy agenda in both the US and their home countries.
Further details: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/fellowships?redirect_source=/grants-and-fellowships/fellowships
Guts UK
A number of different funding opportunities are hosted by Guts UK. These include:
- The Guts UK Derek Butler fellowship is for research in upper gastrointestinal tract diseases and conditions.
- The Guts UK Amelie Waring fellowship is for research into any aspect of pancreatic inflammation or injury.
- Guts UK and The British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) co-fund a start-up grant to support research studies on paediatric pancreatitis and pancreatic diseases. Aimed at early career researchers not yet in a substantive position or within three years of appointment to a substantive academic post. Allowance will be made for applicants whose career has been subject to an interruption for family or personal reasons. These grants are for translational or proof of concept research in any area of gastroenterology (including pancreatology and hepatology).
- Crohns/Guts UK Crohn’s Disease Research Grants are awarded for research-established clinicians specifically investigating Covid and/or anything related to health and quality of life for people with Crohn’s disease.
- Guts UK/BSPGHAN grants are awarded for translational or proof of concept research in any area of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.
Versus Arthritis
A variety of post-doctoral research opportunities are offered to NMAHPs, including Career Development fellowships and Senior Research Fellowships.
Further details: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/fellowships/types-of-fellowship/
Wellcome Early-Career Awards
Maximum of 5 years FT funding (longer if PT), up to £400,000 for early-career researchers from any discipline to develop their research profile to enable them to be in a position to lead their own independent research programme. Applicants must have recently completed a PhD or have at least four years equivalent research experience.
Further information: Wellcome Early-Career Awards
Wellcome Career Development Awards
Funding of circa eight years available for mid-career researchers from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders.
Further information: Wellcome Career Development Awards
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Significant research funding available for established researchers and teams from any discipline.
Further information: Wellcome Discovery Awards