National Institute for Health and Care Research Doctoral Award 2026

Applications are open for the NIHR Doctoral Award 2026, a doctoral-level funding opportunity that supports early career researchers to undertake a PhD by research. The award is a 3-year training programme designed to support career development in health and social care research, across any scientific discipline contributing to health improvement.

Salary for the duration of the award, project costs, conference funding, training and development funding, collaboration costs, and equipment funds.

Applicants must have prior research experience or training to prepare for a PhD and must not already hold a PhD by research; must have substantive employment with a recognised HEI, NHS body, local authority, or other publicly or third-sector funded health or social care provider in England; if relevant, a partner organisation must be listed in the application; applicants should not have been enrolled for more than 12 months full-time if already registered for a PhD; the proposed research must be within the remit for personal career development awards.