Government announces NHS science funding boost

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the opening of a new research fellowship scheme to provide four million pounds in funding over the next three years.

Under the programme, areas of research with direct patient benefit will be funded by the DoH with support from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

NHS scientists involved in the scheme have been asked to develop a research project to promote links between the health service and university research groups while addressing a patient care issue.

Funding will be awarded for up to two years on a full-time or proportionate part-time basis, with successful applicants chosen by a panel made up of NHS, NIHR and DoH staff.

Ann Keen, health minister said; “The funding announced today is further evidence of the government’s commitment to supporting health research in the NHS for the benefit of patients and the public.”

She added the scheme will bring together higher education and NHS organisations as recommended by the next stage review in order to make high-quality research findings more readily applicable to improvements in patient care.

Last week, the government announced 18 million pounds of funding for the NIHR collaborations in Nottinghamshire and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.