Get help finding research funding – for your own project, to facilitate research dissemination or for research training.
A quick and easy way to find potential funders is to search databases, most of which require a subscription. Use the links below to visit example websites:
- www.vitae.ac.uk - supports the professional development of researchers
- www.grantfinder.co.uk - professional funding tool
- info.researchprofessional.com - funding opportunities and research policy
Most universities will subscribe to a grant finding database. The Association of Medical Research Charities website is a useful resource for finding charities that fund health research.
Funding for research projects
Any organisation that funds or commissions research will develop a research strategy and priorities. Finding out what these are is an important first step as it will enable you to tailor your research question to relate to those priorities. This will increase your chances of submitting a successful research proposal.
Where to look will depend on the size of the research project, the type of research undertaken and the topic itself. Some organisations may fund researcher-led projects where the researcher suggests the topic. Equally, much commissioned research where the funder specifies the topic.
Different sources of funding include those from governments, charities, and regional and local bodies:
Government funding
The main sources for government research funding are health departments and research councils:
England: National Institute for Health Research
NIHR commissions and funds NHS, social care and public health research. Their role is to develop research evidence and encourage the uptake and use of that evidence. See their website for more information on NIHR funding.
Northern Ireland: Health & Social Care Research &Development Directorate
HSC R&D supports research that provides high quality evidence to improve care for patients, clients and the general population. See their website for more information about HSCNI funding opportunities.
Scotland: Chief Scientist Office
The CSO supports and promotes research to improve service quality and cost-effectiveness, and bring about lasting improvements in public health. See their website for more information about CSO funding opportunities.
Wales: National Institute for Social Care and Health Research
NISCHR is the Welsh government body that develops, in consultation with partners, strategy and policy for research in the NHS and social care in Wales. See their website for more information about NISCHR funding opportunities.
Research Councils
The UK has seven research councils including the Medical Research Council (MRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Collectively research councils invest billions in research every year but more details can be found on their respective websites:
- the Medical Research Council promotes research into all areas of medical and related science to improve the UK public's health and quality of life
- the Economic and Social Research Council is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues
- the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and physical sciences.
Charities
CSP Charitable Trust
The CSP Charitable Trust supports physiotherapy research and education through a number of funding channels, including the Physiotherapy Research Foundation.
Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
AMRC is a membership organisation of the leading UK charities that fund medical and health research. Their website has a directory of member charities.
Regional and local sources
The Trust, hospital or organisation you work in may offer research funding. This funding is less likely to be advertised or feature in research funding databases. Find out if the organisation you work for has a research &development office and how they disseminate information about funding. Search the website of the organisation for any research.
Your local Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) hub is a useful resource for finding out about local funding opportunities: find out more about the regional hubs.
Many of the CSP's professional networks have small amounts of funding to support research projects in their specialist area of interest.
Funding to facilitate research dissemination
All research funders will require information about how research findings will be disseminated and their likely impact. Costs for dissemination should be included in proposals for research funding. Sometimes it is helpful to apply for additional funding from other sources to achieve greater dissemination and impact.
CSP Charitable Trust
The CSP Charitable Trust has two awards that can help with dissemination: The Conference and Presentation Award supports members to contribute to national or international physiotherapy or interdisciplinary conferences or meetings.
CSP professional networks
Many of the CSP professional networks have funding to support research dissemination.