Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies

Research career development awards 2025: Preparing for NIHR funding success

(NIHR funded)

Are you planning to apply for NIHR career development funding? The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley (ARC OxTV) is offering Development Awards to help strengthen your future NIHR funding applications.

Purpose of the awards

These awards provide direct support to help you:

  • Prepare competitive applications for NIHR career development schemes
  • Develop your research skills and experience
  • Build stronger funding proposals
  • Progress your research career

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from Thames Valley professionals including:

  • Regulated Healthcare Professionals (Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Pharmacists and Healthcare Scientists)
  • Social work and public health professionals
  • Researchers in methodology
  • Researchers based in local authority settings

Funding support available

The award can cover:

  • Salary costs/backfill for dedicated application development time
  • Supervision and mentoring support
  • Training and development activities
  • Patient and Public Involvement costs
  • Accessibility adjustments and support

Eligible NIHR schemes

You can use this award to prepare applications for various NIHR career development schemes including:

Pre-doctoral level:Doctoral level:
Post-doctoral level:
  • Pre-Doctoral Fellowship (methodologists)
  • Pre-Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship
  • Pre-Doctoral Local Authority Fellowship
  • In-Practice Fellowship
  • Doctoral Fellowship (DF)
  • Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (DCAF)
  • Doctoral Local Authority Fellowship (DLAF) Postdoctoral Level

  • Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) Award 3*
  • Advanced Fellowship (AF)
  • Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (ACAF)
  • Advanced Local Authority Fellowship (ALAF)
  • Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) and Advanced Fellowship (EME-AF)
  • Population Health Career Scientist Award (PHCSA)
  • Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA)*
  • Research Professorship (RP)
  • Senior Investigators (SI) Other career development awards

Other: Clinical Academic Research Partnerships (CARP)

Key dates

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 24th April 2025
Interviews: w/c 5th May 2025
Start Date: May 2025
Duration: Up to 10 months (end march 2026)

How to apply

Complete the application pack (click here to download). Your application should include:

  1. Completed application form and checklist
  2. Current CV
  3. Detailed cover letter
  4. Line manager's support
  5. Research supervisor support (if applicable)
  6. Project alignment statement
  7. Detailed spending plan

Research themes

While all relevant research areas will be considered, we particularly welcome proposals aligned with our themes.

Need support?

Contact Dr Katherine Tucker at katherine.tucker@phc.ox.ac.uk for:

  • Application guidance
  • Finding potential supervisors
  • Discussing your research ideas
  • Understanding the process

Ready to apply?

Email your completed application to arc_oxtv@phc.ox.ac.uk

Follow us on Twitter @arc_oxtv for updates and opportunities

Closing date for applications: Friday 25th April 2025 (5pm)

Key Dates:

Online interviews: Week beginning 5th May 2025
Programme start: May,  to be completed by March 2026

Download applications docs