The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has announced the forthcoming launch of the Programme Development Grants call, scheduled for 22 November. This initiative aims to bolster research capacity, capability, and sustainability in some of the most complex and challenging areas of paediatrics.
Teams wishing to apply to this call will be expected to demonstrate the following:
- Research Focus: The research will centre on addressing some of the most challenging issues in paediatrics, including but not limited to safeguarding, disability/neuro-disability, mental health in children and young people, health inequalities, social care issues, and obesity.
- National, Multisectoral Teams: We encourage the formation of research teams that are national in scope, comprising a multisectoral and multi-professional group of researchers. Collaboration across social care, public health, education, and allied professions is strongly encouraged.
- Community Partnerships: Partnerships should extend to community organisations, social care users, patients, caregivers, individuals with lived experiences, and those with unmet health and social care needs. Inclusion of voices not traditionally involved in research is vital.
- High Prevalence Areas: Proposed research should focus on areas with a high-need relative to the problem being studied.
- Local Presence: Each team must include a member residing in the high-need area of the subject under investigation.
- Overcoming Barriers: We encourage researchers to actively address barriers to engagement in research and co-production, such as disability and social exclusion. Collaboration with third-sector and non-profit organisations dedicated to improving citizens' lives is highly encouraged.
- Capacity Building and Sustainability: Applications should demonstrate a commitment to capacity building, training, and ensuring the sustainability of both the research and the research team in the future.
- Public Involvement and Diversity: Applicants must show evidence of public involvement and engagement. A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is essential in shaping the choice, design, development, and delivery of research.
Launch date: 22 November 2023.
Funding: Up to £500,000.
This exciting research opportunity aims to address some of the most pressing challenges in the field of paediatrics and child health and support a sustainable research workforce for the future.