The Research & Development Office administer a number of internal funding opportunities.
These are available to all NBT staff with a research idea that they want to develop into a project.
We frequently make awards for small research projects, as well as personal awards for those wanting to pursue a career including research. Below are some of the funding options currently available.
To apply, or for more information, contact: ResearchGrants@nbt.nhs.uk.
Rolling Schemes – Apply throughout the year
Available to all Medics, Nurses, Midwives and AHP’s keen to develop a research project.
Early Research Career and Concept Funding (EC&C Funding)
Funding to cover the time of those either “Early” in their research “Career” and/or those with a research idea that is at the “Early Concept” stage and needs development.
- Short term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Research Grant Development Funding
Funding for the applicant’s time to develop a NIHR application. You will know your NIHR funding stream and the deadline you are aiming to submit by (you can be at Stage 1 / EoI or Stage 2).
- Grant deadline identified
- Short term and long-term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Other salary costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Research Grant Development - Extension Funding
For those holding Research Grant Development Funding but with a delay in the initial timeline.
- Grant deadline identified
- Short term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Other salary costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Research Grant Development - Follow-on Funding
For those holding Research Grant Development Funding who have been shortlisted for an NIHR grant and need further “Follow-on” funding to protect their time to develop their Stage 2 application.
- Grant deadline identified
- Short term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Other salary costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Pre-award PPIE Funding
Funding to cover Public/Patient Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) activities prior to formal grant funding being received for a research project (“Pre-award”). This will cover Working with People & Communities to allow diverse engagement at the project/grant development stage.
- Suitable for developing a research project or a program/portfolio
- Short term funding
- PPIE costs covered
One-off/Annual Schemes
Nurse, Midwife, AHP Research “Taster” Grant - Application deadline 11th June 2025
A personal training and/or project award for Nurses, Midwives and AHPs with an interest in evidence-based care and who want to get a “taste” of clinical research.
- Suitable for Nurses Midwives and AHP’s
- Short term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Non-pay costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Springboard Research Fund - Summer 2025
This fund supports NBT staff to undertake research projects (max. £25k per project) which could be directly implemented in the NHS, or feed into larger funding bids with the potential for future impact on the NHS. Applications are invited from NBT staff, including clinicians, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals (AHPs) from any clinical area.
Springboard supports staff with a range of experience, from staff with no prior research experience applying for their first research grant, through to an experienced researcher looking to undertake pilot, feasibility, or proof of concept work.
R&D understand that applying for research funding can be daunting, but there is plenty of support available to help develop an application. Please contact researchgrants@nbt.nhs.uk as soon as possible to benefit from support
Research Career Pathway Awards - Summer 2025
Personal awards to give applicants a “stepping-stone” to the next stage of their research career – e.g. funding of salary costs to free up time to develop and submit an external fellowship application, such as a NIHR Doctoral Award.
- Suitable for Medics, Nurses Midwives and AHP’s
- Grant deadline identified
- Short term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Non-pay costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
Research Development Personnel Funding - Autumn 2025
Funding to cover research staff salary costs (Personnel) to develop a programme / portfolio of research in a specified clinical area (Division / Team / Speciality).
- Suitable for Medics, Nurses Midwives and AHP’s
- Suitable for developing a research program/portfolio
- Long term funding
- Applicant salary costs covered
- Other salary costs covered
- PPIE costs covered
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Research & Development
North Bristol NHS Trust
Level 3, Learning & Research building
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol, BS10 5NB
Telephone: 0117 4149330
Email: research@nbt.nhs.uk