Applications to the Health Research Projects Funding Call must comply not only with the requirements outlined in our application guidance document on the funding page, but also with the relevant NIHR regulations and policies. This includes rules relating to costing and finance, governance, ethics, insurance, contracting, and research dissemination.
To support applicants, we have compiled the following links to key NIHR guidance and support resources.
NIHR Policy and Compliance
These resources outline the regulatory and contractual frameworks applicants must align with when designing and delivering their research projects:
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Costing & Finance Guidance – NIHR Costing Guidance
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Model Agreements & Subcontracting – NIHR Model Agreements
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Research Governance & Sponsorship – UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research
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Open Access & Intellectual Property – NIHR Open Access Policy
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NIHR Policies and Guidelines – NIHR Key Policies and Guidelines
Research Inclusion and Public Involvement
Guidance on embedding equity, diversity, and active involvement of communities and service users in your research design:
- NIHR Inclusive Research Funding Application Guidance
- NIHR Guidance for Applicants on Working with People and Communities
Other useful resource pages on RI/PPIE:
Updated NIHR PPIE Payment Guidance
As of 16 December 2025, the NIHR has updated its guidance on payment for public involvement in research, including increased recommended payment rates. This guidance should be considered when planning, budgeting for, or delivering public involvement activities in NIHR-funded research.
NIHR Research Design Support
Applicants are strongly encouraged to make use of NIHR’s national support networks for help with study design, public involvement, methodology, and costing: