The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced funding for five new Incubators to address critical areas in need of enhanced research capacity across the UK.
Launched in 2018, the Incubator programme aims to provide career development support for researchers in key areas by bringing together stakeholders to identify and overcome barriers in building research capacity. The programme has already led to numerous innovative projects, such as the Mental Health Research Incubator's community map and the Nursing and Midwifery Incubator's online courses.
Dean of the NIHR Academy, Professor Waljit Dhillo, said:
“We are proud to support these new Incubators. They will play a pivotal role in addressing research capacity gaps in underrepresented areas, on a national level. Since its launch in 2018, the Incubator Programme has been vital in providing targeted career development for researchers. It brings together stakeholders to identify and address barriers to research capacity.
“The new Incubators will continue this legacy by running tailored engagement activities, offering specialised training, and driving collaboration to develop practical solutions. I look forward to seeing the impact they will have.”
Following an open competition in 2024, the NIHR has awarded funding to five new Incubators, which will begin operations in July 2025. These Incubators will focus on:
- Knowledge Mobilisation for Research Inclusion: Led by Professor Kriysia Dziedzic and Dr Alice Moult
- General Paediatrics: Led by Dr Katrina Cathie and Dr Lee Hudson
- Acquired Brain Injury Social Care Network: Led by Professor Andrew Bateman and Dr Alyson Norman
- Palliative and End of Life Care: Led by Professor Christina Faull and Professor Candy McCabe
- Oral Health Research: Informing Policy Across the UK: Led by Professor Zoe Marshman and Professor Chris Vernazza
These virtual, community-specific Incubators play a crucial role in training and supporting researchers, helping them tackle health and care challenges. They run engagement and outreach activities, provide training, and support research career development.
The newly supported Incubators will receive NIHR badging and support for three years, funding for a project manager or admin support post, and additional funding for engagement activities. They will also have the opportunity to apply for further support to pilot capacity-building initiatives.
This initiative underscores the NIHR's commitment to building research capacity and supporting the development of innovative solutions to health and care challenges.
Image credit: iStock
