Information > NIHR Programmes > Research for Innovation, Speculation & Creativity (RISC) Scheme

The main aim of the RISC project scheme is to support potentially paradigm-changing projects in the arena of Health Services and Public Health. It will fund new and radical ideas for health research that have a low chance of success but potential for high impact.
 

Fixed grants will be awarded to successful applicants and it is envisaged that follow-on funding could occur through the RfPB programme or the other NIHR programmes.

 
Who it’s for

All researchers based in the NHS in England are eligible to apply. Joint applications from NHS researchers with academic partners as co-applicants are welcome. In both cases, funding will be awarded through the NHS organisation.

 
Funding

The budget is £5 million per year, based on making about 50 awards each year at a cost of £100,000 each. Projects will normally be for a duration of 12-18 months.

 
Process

Administered by the CCF, there is an annual competition initiated by advertisement. The application form is short and applicants are asked to set out a clearly stated hypothesis and approach, the potential impact of the project, demonstrate an understanding of the risks that are being taken and prove that the work has not been undertaken elsewhere. An ad-hoc, virtual panel will be established with new members each year. Awardees will be required to submit an ‘end-of-grant’ report that will be collated into a publicly available report.

 
Criteria

Applications are judged on the quality of the research proposed, the significance and potential benefit of that research project to the NHS.

 

Further information about the Research for Innovation, Speculation and Creativity (RISC) Project Scheme

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