Government calls for surgical research funding bids

The government has issued a call for organisations undertaking new surgical research projects to apply to the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for funding.

Scientists have until May 25th 2012 to apply for support for any studies with relevance to the surgical field, with applications supporting multidisciplinary collaborations set to be particularly encouraged.

The NIHR has supported surgical research projects worth more than 40 million pounds in total since 2006, with 20 million pounds being invested in the NIHR Centre for Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology initiative.

A longer application period is being introduced this year with the aim of giving the research community all the preparation time it requires, coming as part of government plans to strengthen the role of innovative research in the NHS.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "This call will lead to work which will further our knowledge and understanding of surgery by pushing the boundaries of what is possible."

The new focus on research comes as part of the new Health and Social Care Bill, which is being debated in the House of Lords once again this week.