RfPB invites outline applications for research proposals that concern the day-to-day practice of health service staff and that have the potential to impact the health or wellbeing of patients and users of the NHS.
This specific RfPB funding opportunity involves ring-fenced funding for projects led by nurses and midwives.
The RfPB programme is researcher-led and does not specify topics for research, meaning you can focus on any subject area or topic provided the application is within RfPB remit. However, all applications should be co-produced with service commissioners, providers and service users wherever appropriate to better ensure findings are of immediate utility in policy and practice.
ELIGIBLITY
To support capacity building, all applications to this funding opportunity must be led by a nurse or a midwife at an early stage of their research career (for this funding opportunity, an early career researcher is a researcher who has not yet been the lead investigator for a substantial project award, excluding personal awards and fellowships).
All RfPB applications must be made through an NHS body or other provider of NHS services in England. Other relevant organisations (including HEIs) are permitted as co-applicants but not necessarily host/lead organisations.
The early career nurse or midwife is expected to apply as lead applicant supported by a senior colleague fulfilling the role as joint-lead applicant.
Applicants must submit an expression of interest form by 2 March 2026, ahead of submission of the outline application.
VALUE AND DURATION
This call is for proposals up to £500,000 for a period of up to three years.
KEY DATES
Webinar: A virtual Q&A webinar for this call took place on Wednesday 3 December 2025 for potential applicants (if you would like access to the slides or the recording please contact urdrfpb@nihr.ac.uk).
Expression of interest deadline: 2 March 2026
Outline application deadline (template below): 8 April 2026 (1pm)
Full application opening date: 26 August 2026
Full application deadline: 7 October 2026
For more details on scope, eligibility and how to apply, visit the opportunity webpage.
Projects funded in the previous round supporting nurses and midwives can be found in this news story.