The Public Health Research (PHR) Programme funds research that generates evidence to improve the health of the public and reduce health inequalities. The programme is particularly interested in studies that focus on the wider determinants of health and will generally ask for health-related outcome measures.
Multi-disciplinary research proposals led by, or involving, researchers from outside the disciplines usually associated with public health are encouraged. This is important given NIHR’s intention to focus on population health priorities such as climate change.
PHR funds research via two routes: researcher-led (applications can be submitted at any point) and commissioned.
The latest opportunities are listed below. Most are two-stage opportunities requiring an initial outline application and are subject to standard NIHR eligibility criteria with no set funding limits. Follow the links for respective details including research specification and application guidance.
Children and young people’s mental health
- Research question: Which interventions are effective and cost effective in supporting the promotion and protection of the mental health of babies, children and young people?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
- Research question: What are the effects of, and what is the cost effectiveness of, interventions for people in midlife that promote healthy and active ageing?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
- Research question: To what extent are welfare rights and advice services effective in addressing health and health inequalities?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
Greenspace and natural environments
- Research question: What are the health impacts of the interventions which change access to green and blue space?
- Outline application deadline: 12 December 2025
Uptake of population screening programmes
- Research question: What interventions impact the uptake of population screening programmes in the UK?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
- Research question: What are the most effective and cost-effective interventions to improve health and reduce health inequalities in coastal communities?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
- Research question: What are the health and health inequality impacts of interventions that aim to reduce transport poverty at a population level?
- Outline application deadline: 15 August 2025
- Research question: What are the health and health inequality impacts of policy developed to address serious violence?
- Outline application deadline: 12 December 2025
Development award: Period poverty and menstrual support
- Research question: How do community interventions effectively prevent health issues associated with period poverty and menstruation?
- £50,000-£150,000 for 6-12 months
- Full application deadline: 15 August 2025
Sign up below, indicating which of the above funding topics you are interested in, to receive details of upcoming webinars relevant to specific funding opportunities: