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		NIHR Central Commissioning Facility (CCF)

Calls and Competitions

The NIHR CCF commissions research for a number of the NIHR and Department of Health’s research programmes. The method of commissioning and the associated processes varies between programmes. Follow the links for additional information on the type of call operated under each programme and the dates of calls. All applications are made through the NIHR CCF extranet.

All research projects commissioned through NIHR CCF are subject to the standard Department of Health research contract. By submitting your application to the NIHR CCF you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of this contract in the event of funding being offered.

Research for Patient Benefit
The Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme is an NIHR CCF responsive funding programme open to researchers in the NHS, which operates three competitions per year. To obtain an application form, potential applicants should complete a registration of intention to submit (ROI) by the specified dates. Completed applications must be submitted by competition deadlines in order to be considered at the next Regional Funding Committee meeting.

Further information on the timetable for RfPB is available here

Policy Research Programme
The Policy Research Programme (PRP) commissions research to meet Department of Health needs identified in the course of policy work. It does not commission research in response to spontaneous proposals. Much of the commissioning is done via open competitive tender, particularly for strategic initiatives and high cost projects.

Further information on the timetable for PRP is available here

Programme Grants for Applied Research
Programme Grants for Applied Research are prestigious NIHR awards aimed at attracting the top researchers. Programme Grants are allocated competitively to NHS trusts to enable them to tackle areas of high priority or need for health. The application process is in two stages, with peer and expert panel review. Successful organisations are monitored annually to ensure that continued funding is justified.

Further information on the timetable for Programme Grants is available here

Programme Development Grants
NIHR Programme Development Grants are awards of up to £100k to enable a research team to undertake preparatory work that will position them to submit a successful Programme Grant application in a subsequent funding competition. They will be awarded by open competition and assessed by the Programme Grants for Applied Research Selection Panel.

For further information on the timetable for Programme Dvelopment Grants is available here

Research for Innovation, Speculation and Creativity

The Research for Innovation, Speculation and Creativity (RISC) Programme is a responsive funding programme open to all researchers in the NHS. RISC does not seek to name specific topic areas and welcomes applications on a wide range of issues. To obtain an application form, applicants should first submit their project title. Completed applications must be submitted by the competition deadline in order to be considered at the funding committee meeting. RISC calls are held annually and are initiated by advertisement.

Further information on the timetable for RISC is available here

Invention for Innovation (i4i)

The NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) Programme aims to improve the identification of promising healthcare technologies and accelerate the development of new healthcare products for the 21st century. i4i is stimulating the flow of new product ideas into its new funding streams – i4i Future Product Development. i4i is primarily a responsive mode programme, however future targeted calls are planned. The essential feature of i4i Future Product Development is that there must be a device in view from the outset.

The New and Emerging Applications of Technology (NEAT) Programme migrated to i4i in 2008 (there will be no future calls under NEAT).

Further information on the timetable for i4i is available here

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