The Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) Programme supports evaluative research aimed at improving health and social care services. This research can be primary (qualitative and/or quantitative), secondary, or evidence synthesis, with projects often involving a mixed-methods approach, focusing on the access to, organisation, and quality of care.
This opportunity calls for research to evaluate health and social care interventions and services which address gaps in knowledge of preventative strategies, early diagnosis techniques, and effective interventions for individuals at increased risk of long-term conditions and chronic disease.
Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of interest for evaluative research are:
- the pathway, flow, and coordination of patients through prevention services and the broader configuration of prevention services for those with long-term conditions and rehabilitation following acute care
- innovative ways of providing, commissioning, or streamlining prevention services
- how data can be used to proactively offer preventative support and how data can be linked across health, social care, and other systems
- models of effective systems leadership and funding mechanisms to embed prevention into the commissioning and provision of health and social care
ELIGIBILITY
There are no specific eligibility requirements or restrictions for applicants to this funding opportunity.
VALUE AND DURATION
No limit on individual projects. In terms of overall funding available, NIHR aims to invest in the region of £4 million, across a number of research studies, in relation to this funding opportunity.
KEY DATES
Outline application deadline: 21 January 2026
Outline application shortlisting decision: March 2026
Full application opening date: Early April 2026
Full application deadline: Early June 2026
More information is available on the opportunity webpage and in the below document.