A key priority for the School is to contribute to the development of greater capacity, in terms of both the generation of research and its utilisation by decision-makers throughout the statutory, third and private sectors.
We are building on our previous achievements (such as our methods review series, building capacity awards and support to early career researchers) and exploring other avenues for investing in greater capacity development in care research.
Along with funding for a fourth phase of the School, the NIHR has provided further investment for training researchers. We are working in collaboration with the NIHR Academy to offer doctoral studentships, career development fellowships and internships. We are organising a number of training events.
Our capacity-building initiatives offer opportunities across a range of experience levels, and are further developing our community of social care researchers.
Individual career development awards recognise the complexity and variety of current pathways for a research career in adult social care. These awards may build an individual’s range of skills (methodological leadership), support achieving a next step while they continue to contribute to the research effort (e.g. part time PhDs attached to current work) or move to positions to help strengthen future applications for senior awards. The aim of these awards will be to support individuals to achieve their desired goals through training and other tailored activities.
Current opportunities
Research Career Development Awards – closing date 14 February 2025
The School for Social Care Research (SSCR) has been awarded £6m to implement and conduct capacity-building activities between 2024 and 2029. We are pleased to invite applications to career development funding for individuals who are committed to developing the evidence base for social care in England. Find out more about the SSCR CDA Awards
Full-time studentships are linked to each NIHR SSCR Core Member university. Our studentships aim to attract a range of individuals interested in research relevant to adult social care in England as part of their research career development.
We particularly encourage methodologists (e.g. health and care economists, statisticians) and those working in practice to apply. Students receive an annual stipend, fees and research expenses.
Since 2019 we have funded 21 Doctoral Studentships.
Developing research leaders awards targeted exceptional individuals working to develop adult social care research and capacity by leading significant research projects or programmes and managing other researchers. These awards supported those who are well-positioned for future applications for Professorships or Chairs. The aim of these awards was to support individuals to become the next leaders for adult social care research.
Practice-based research leaders awards aimed to support senior colleagues in social care practice to develop research skills to allow them to become research leaders in their organisations, and by doing so become research champions within the adult social care sector.
In Phase III we funded five such awards.
Internships will be available from Spring each year to support junior individuals embarking on an adult social care research career. Individuals will need to be able to set out plans for how they expect to reach their proposed next destination such as the preparation for a Masters or PhD-level national fellowship award.
Funding is available for awards of up to £5,000 per applicant.
Our series of training workshops and events cover methodological topics and research skills development.
Our capacity-building activities supported the NIHR Social Care Incubator which aimed to encourage early career interest in adult social care, attract early career investigators and to support and provide further career development opportunities.
The Capacity-Building Management Team oversees the School’s capacity-building activities.
For queries relating to our capacity-building programme please contact: