Information > NIHR Programmes > Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Project Scheme

The RfPB is a nationally co-ordinated funding stream for regionally commissioned research. There are ten regional commissioning panels to commission local Health Service Research. This national response-mode funding programme will fund high quality, investigator led research that is relevant to the NHS.
 
Who it’s for

All researchers in the NHS in England can apply, although joint applications from NHS researchers with academic partners as co-applicants will be particularly welcome. For joint NHS/university applications, funding will normally be awarded through the NHS partner.

 
Funding

Budgets are in proportion to the regional population. Project Grants will be the most common type of grant awarded under the programme.  They will normally be up to 36 months in duration with a total maximum cost of £250k. The national budget is £25 million per annum.

 
Process

The NIHR CCF will administer the programme under the guidance of the National Programme Director. There is a two stage application process: 1) Registration of intent to submit; 2) Submission of full proposal. Ten regional funding committees will meet three times a year. Applications receive preliminary scrutiny by a sub-committee, applications successful at this stage will be sent out to peer review, prior to being considered by the relevant regional funding committee.

 
Criteria

The RfPB scheme will fund applied research, which will take place in an NHS setting and have a clear focus on day-to-day practice within the NHS. Projects can be either quantitative or qualitative. Proposals are selected for funding on the basis of the quality of the research proposal and its relevance to the broader NHS.

 
 

Applications can be made at any time for consideration at the next available committee meeting. Guidelines for applications, including draft application and finance forms can be found on the website.

 

Feedback from the RfPB Scheme
Information on what makes a successful application; including feedback at the conclusion of competition one, can be found on the website along with further information about the Research for Patient Benefit Scheme.

Website Coordinator
Please contact the website coordinator if you have problems with any of the links or questions, comments and suggestions about the content.