NIHR Academic Research Training Pathways
The NIHR offers a range of funding opportunities to support health and social care researchers at all stages of their careers, from pre-doctoral to postdoctoral levels. These awards provide financial support for research, training, and career development within the UK’s health and care sectors.
The Hub can help individuals navigate and access these NIHR funding opportunities, providing guidance, support and signposting for those interested in applying for an Academic Research Training Award.
NIHR Research Training Awards for Doctors and Dentists – Integrated Academic Training Programme
The IAT Programme at BSMS combines research and clinical practice, providing a platform for Medical Doctors to advance their academic careers. Tailored for those passionate about merging academia with hands-on clinical experience, this program offers a structured pathway encompassing postgraduate research, clinical training, and professional development.
BSMS currently hosts 20 Academic Clinical Fellows and three Clinical Lecturers across several specialities, with a strong focus on Infectious Diseases and Neuroscience.
Research Opportunities at BSMS and trainee experiences
At BSMS, our health research is recognised for driving meaningful change at local, national, and global levels. We are committed to advancing medical treatments, addressing key biomedical and clinical challenges, and developing more tailored healthcare solutions for patients.
As a diverse and collaborative research community, we bring together expertise across a wide range of fields, from laboratory-based studies to social science and clinical research. Our strong partnerships with the local NHS enable us to work directly with patients, and fostering a bench to bedside approach to research. This close integration between research and clinical practice makes BSMS an exceptional environment for clinical academics, providing opportunities to engage in impactful research while delivering high-quality patient care.
Click below to hear from the professors and heads of departments at some of our key research centres about the exciting work happening at BSMS.
Dr Simon Mitchell (Research Lead for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Director of the Sussex Cancer Research Centre) and Professor Andrea Pepper (Head of Department for Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research Scientist) talk about some of the fascinating research opportunities at BSMS and the Sussex Cancer Research Centre:
Dr James Price (Clinical Academic in Infection, BSMS) talks about research opportunities in Infection in Sussex, and why BSMS is an exciting place for infections research:
Professor Tim Chevassut (Chair of Haematology and Director of Academic Training at BSMS) talks about the important Haematology research taking place in Sussex:
Brighton and Sussex Medical School has a strong track record of developing highly talented researchers. Many of our Academic Clinical Fellows have secured competitive research training fellowships to complete PhDs and have progressed into prestigious senior academic roles. Click the links below to hear from Clinical Lecturers, past and present, as they share their experiences and reflect on the opportunities, support, and career development that BSMS offers.
Dr Fiona Creswell (Consultant in HIV and Sexual Health at University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Scientist) shares her experience of the Integrated Academic Training Programme and being a Clinical Lecturer at BSMS:
Dr Hussien Elkholy (Clinical Lecturer in Psychiatry at BSMS) shares his experience of applying for the Clinical Lecture post, and some words of advice for potential applicants:
The Research Training Hub provides dedicated guidance and support throughout to all trainees on their journey through the IAT Programme. All BSMS Academic Clinical Fellows (ACFs) and Clinical Lecturers (CLs) will receive a comprehensive induction pack to help them make the most of their time at BSMS. You can download the Autumn 2024 Induction Pack by clicking the link below.
Download the pack here >
NIHR Research Training Awards for All in Health and Care
The NIHR Academy has refreshed its personal research training awards to make them more accessible and easier to navigate. There is now a single, streamlined fellowship at each career stage—predoctoral, doctoral, and postdoctoral—designed to support researchers across all professional backgrounds. While the structure is simpler, the same level of funding and background-specific support remains in place. You can explore the updated award pathway in the infographic below, with more detail further down the page.
View the infographic here >
NIHR Academy Pre-doctoral Award
The NIHR Academy Predoctoral Award is designed to advance your health and social care research career at masters level. It supports early career researchers to undertake a masters degree, or a bespoke training and development plan comprising masters-level training, and provides protected time to develop a competitive PhD award application.
Eligibility:
The eligibility criteria include registered health and care professionals (excluding doctors and dentists) working in NHS settings, individuals employed by local authorities or associated settings, fully qualified general and community dentists and general practitioners, as well as registered health and care professionals in primary care. Additionally, applicants intending to pursue training in one of the relevant methodological areas to become a methodologist are also eligible.
Funding Includes:
- Full salary including employer’s contribution to National Insurance and superannuation
- Time to prepare an application for a PhD award
- Full Masters level training fees at the UK rate or £5,000 bespoke Masters level training per full time year
- £1,000 for working with people and communities
- £1,000 for conference-related costs.
- £1,000 for supervision fees.
Application Process:
Applications are submitted through the NIHR's online research award management system. The application window for the 2025 cycle is now closed but is expected to re-open for the next cycle in January 2026.
For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the NIHR Pre-doctoral Award page.
NIHR Academy Doctoral Award
The Doctoral Award provides funding and support to individuals from all professional backgrounds. This flexible scheme enables you to complete a PhD in applied health or social care research. Your research project must be within our remit for personal career development awards.
Eligibility:
Open to applicants with a 1st or 2:1 bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), or a master's degree if necessary. They should have prior research experience or training and must not already hold a PhD. The applicant must propose employment with a recognised HEI, NHS body, or other eligible health/social care provider in England. Additionally, they must register for a PhD at a recognised HEI in England and propose research aligned with the award's remit.
Funding includes:
- Salary support for the full duration of the fellowship, with up to 20% clinical/practice time if applicable
- PhD tuition fees and professional development costs
- Research costs for equipment, consumables, travel, dissemination and public involvement
- Open access publication fees
- Up to £3,000 for conference-related costs
- Up to £1,000 for laptop/computer costs
Application Process:
Applications are submitted through the NIHR's online research award management system. There are two application windows a year in April and October. The current award cycle is open until 10 June 2025 at 1pm.
For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the NIHR Doctoral Award page.
NIHR Academy Post-doctoral Award
The NIHR Postdoctoral Award provides funding to support individuals in developing their academic careers across various postdoctoral stages. It offers flexible funding to undertake research that aligns with the NIHR's remit, fostering the growth of future research leaders.
Eligibility:
Open to applicants with a relevant PhD or MD, or those who have submitted their thesis for examination at the time of application (with the PhD or MD awarded by the time of the interview). Applicants should propose to undertake the award at a Higher Education Institution, NHS body, local authority, or another provider of health or social care services in England or a participating devolved nation. Those applying must not already hold a chair position and must have completed relevant pre-registration training if a clinical applicant. Research must fall within the NIHR’s remit. If holding a Professional Doctorate, applicants must contact the NIHR before applying to confirm eligibility.
Funding includes:
- Salary funding for the lead applicant, including clinical service or practice time, if applicable
- Research project funds
- A support post to assist with your research, including a training and development budget
- The cost of a tailored academic and professional development programme
- Annual conference budget
Application Process:
Applications are submitted through the NIHR's online research award management system. There are two application windows a year in April and October. The current award cycle is open until 3 July 2025 at 1:00pm.For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the NIHR Post-doctoral Award page.