Developing a research funding application

When seeking funding for a clinical research programme, it is best to take advice directly from the funder in terms of how they would like you to structure your application and the type of information they will be looking for.

Each funder has will have specific requirements – we’ve listed some of the most important sources of funding here:

• Visit this page for information about writing a NIHR pre-doctoral, doctoral, and advanced fellowship/s application.
• Visit this page for information about writing a HEE/NIHR ICA Pre-doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (PCAF) application.
• Visit this page for information about writing a Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (DCAF) application.
• Visit this page for information about writing a HEE/NIHR ICA Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (ACAF) application.

Be mindful that specific guidance for each type of fellowship is likely to be specific to the funding round. It is therefore advised that you locate the funding round you are aiming for, and follow links to specific guidance for that round.

Other useful sources of information to support you in writing a funding application can be found below:

• The common characteristics of a great Fellowship application
• How to write a successful grant or fellowship application (article)
• So you want to apply for an NIHR Fellowship. Guide designed by the NIHR RDS SouthEast
• Blog by Beth Eyre on writing a fellowship application

Research Design Service

To support you in the development of the research idea that will form the basis of your application, it is of value to speak to your local Research Design Service (RDS).

The RDS provides support to health, social care and public health researchers across England on all aspects of developing and writing a funding application, including research design, research methods, identifying funding sources and involving patients and the public. Advice is confidential and free of charge.

You can contact your local RDS by visiting this page.

This resource is produced by the CoPPAR network funded by the NIHR, you can find out more about CoPPAR here