REDiC Activity Update

NIHR Postdoctoral Event: Thriving in Transition

29 January 2026, Manchester

We were delighted to be part of the NIHR Postdoctoral Event: Thriving in Transition held in Manchester in January 2026, a day of talks, networking, and insights designed to help postdoctoral researchers across health and social care navigate this pivotal and sometimes challenging stage of their careers. The event brought together researchers from across NIHR-supported networks to share experiences, learn from each other, and explore strategies for career progression.

The team behind this vibrant and inspiring event.

We were especially pleased to see Professor Yemisi Takwoingi, co-lead of the NIHR REDiC Incubator, speaking on the panel and sharing her invaluable experience from her own postdoctoral journey. Dr. Valencia Kabeya, an NIHR Postdoctoral Research Fellow and member of the REDiC Incubator, worked alongside fellow committee members, bringing dedication, expertise, and passion to make this event a remarkable success.

Write to Rise: A REDiC retreat for transformative fellowship and grant writing report

9 – 11 February 2026, Nailcote Hall Hotel, Warwickshire

We were excited to be able to offer twenty, early and mid-career researchers, from under-represented backgrounds, a unique opportunity to spend three days focussed on developing their impactful writing skills. The retreat blended expert workshops and writing time with mentoring and peer support along with insights from NIHR panel members and previous successful applicants. Day one introduced participants to the support available through the NIHR Research Support Service and importance of research inclusion. This was complimented by insights from NIHR panel members in an interactive discussion session into what makes a strong application. On day two, we were delighted to welcome Esther Selsdon, Consultant Fellow from the Royal Literary Fund who delivered a fantastic series of thoughtful workshops on impactful and expressive writing, followed by tips on getting started and writing in plain English. Day three focussed on challenges, problem solving and success strategies. The faculty were joined by Prof G.J. Melendez-Torres, Associate Dean (Researcher Inclusion) NIHR Academy who facilitated a discussion around these topics and delegates were able to ask questions to successful applicants in another interactive panel session.

Each of the retreat participants was allocated one of the faculty present to be their mentor for the duration of the retreat, along with opportunity for pre and post retreat support. There was plenty of opportunity throughout the three days for participants to make the most of this support with hands-on supervision time.

NIHR News

NIHR Funding Opportunities News

UK-wide expansion of NIHR’s undergraduate research opportunities
The NIHR are increasing opportunities for undergraduates across the UK to engage with research by partnering with the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the Academy of Medical Sciences.

Global health research calls for 2026
The NIHR has announced changes to its global health research programme. New funding calls will open in April 2026 and will focus on the most pressing health problems in the poorest countries, helping to ensure UK aid is used where it can have the greatest impact.

NIHR Predoctoral Award (PreDA) (Cohort 2)

The award is open to aspiring health and care researchers who are looking towards developing future PhD applications. It can fund a full UK Masters or alternatively £5k per annum of tailored Masters-level training, alongside funding for other development and support opportunities to help enhance the awardees. For full details please see the PreDA Cohort 2 award page

The award has 4 Funding Committees;

• Health & Care Professionals
• Local Authority, Public Health & Social Care
• Methodologists
• Primary Care

This year’s cohort will also include a Devolved Nation opportunity via the NIHR and OLS partnership to tackle drug and alcohol addiction.

Closing date: 12 March 2026

NIHR Future Focused Leadership Programme – Leaders Stream

As a lead across NIHR Infrastructure, Schools, Incubators, INSIGHT and Health and Care Professional Internships, you are eligible to apply providing you can evidence a national leadership role for NIHR.

This immersive 12-month programme will help you to develop your capabilities and effectiveness as a leader. You will be encouraged to identify and reflect on your strengths and areas for development through in person residentials, one-to-one coaching and action learning opportunities and immediately apply the insights you uncover into your day to day role(s).

Closing date extended to 1pm, 12 March 2026.

NIHR Pre-Application Support Fund (Cohort 8)

The Pre-Application Support Fund offers extra support to prepare a competitive application for an NIHR career development award.

It provides funding to support those who might not otherwise be able to apply for one of our awards. In doing so, the scheme aims to create more opportunities for groups and professions currently under-represented within NIHR. Applications are particularly encouraged from:

• regulated healthcare professionals:
• nurses
• midwives
• allied health professionals
• pharmacists
• healthcare scientists
• social work and public health professionals
• researchers in methodology
• applicants from ethnic minority backgrounds
• applicants who are disabled

Closing date: 1pm, 19 March 2026

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships

2025 NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships in Medicine

The NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) is a clinical specialty training post in medicine that incorporates academic training.

2025 NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships in Dentistry

The NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) is a clinical specialty training post in dentistry that incorporates academic training.

Closing date: 31 March 2026

NIHR Panel Vacancies

There are a number of NIHR committees open for applications from new members, full details at the links below:

• Specialists in evidence synthesis – members for new Evidence Synthesis Programme (ESP) Funding Committee – closing 24 March 2026
• NIHR Academy Funding Committee – closing 31 March 2026

NIHR Work and Health funding committee – closing 1 April 2026

Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) award (Cohort 9)

The DSE award is a postdoctoral-level funding opportunity. If you are an early to mid-career researcher, it can support you to gain specific skills and experience to underpin the next phase of your research career.

A DSE award must help you to develop the relevant and required skills to make a competitive NIHR personal award or NIHR research grant application. Applications to develop skills that are suited to research outside our remit are not in scope for a DSE award.

Closing date: 1pm, 11 March 2026

2026 NIHR Incubator Competition (Cohort 4)

This is an institutional level funding opportunity. Incubator funding supports individuals working in a particular area or discipline to come together to build research capacity and develop research careers across the UK. For this Incubator funding round, we are looking for applications that support the transition of care from hospital to the community by promoting research within the community and in wider care settings.

Webinar for further information, 6 March, 12pm, register here.

Closing date: 1pm, 23 April 2026

NIHR Research Training and Development Programmes – South West Central

INSIGHT Programme

The insight programme is for new graduates and those with up to five years of practice experience as a registered health and care professionals
MRes tuition fees & tax-free stipend available for one year full-time or two years part-time study at UWE Bristol or Bournemouth University

Application window: 12 January – 15 March 2026

Health and Care Professionals Internship Programme

The Internship programme is designed to help health and care professionals get more involved in research, develop skills in delivering it and even lead research projects.
Application window: 16 March – 25 May 2026

2026 INSIGHT Competition (Cohort 2)

This funding opportunity is for institutions to deliver regional INSIGHT programmes that will offer engagement activities and research masters studentships in 2027, 2028, and 2029. Regional INSIGHT programmes play a key role in attracting students and recent graduate clinicians and practitioners into research.

A webinar to provide an overview of the competition will be held on 11 March ,12pm, where attendees will find out more about the 2026 INSIGHT competition and the key areas to consider when developing an application. You can register here.

Closing date: 1pm, 7 May 2026.

Wellbeing toolkit

We’ve released our latest e-learning module to help you build the self-awareness, skills and practical strategies needed to protect and improve your wellbeing. This 40-minute module will support you to strengthen your personal resilience, set healthy boundaries, practice self-compassion and foster meaningful connections.