Research and Innovation - how to apply
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Research and Innovation
We are committed to investing in impactful, timely research that makes a real difference to patients across Nottingham’s NHS hospitals.
By empowering clinicians and teams to lead innovative studies, we aim to support the development of new treatments, improved diagnostics, and better models of care.
That’s why this programme exists,to invest in the health, resilience, and Working in close partnership with the Trust’s Research & Innovation Department, we support two core programmes of pump-priming activity—providing vital seed funding to help new ideas take shape and unlock larger external funding opportunities. Alongside this, we also fund additional research projects that meet our criteria for impact, feasibility, and delivery.
Our focus is on research that can demonstrate clear patient benefit within a reasonable timeframe, ensuring that innovation translates into meaningful improvements in care.
We are especially interested in projects that could make a difference across the Trust and fund ideas that go beyond standard NHS care, such as:
- Early-stage or pilot research that has the potential to attract further external funding
- Innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, or patient care pathways
- Projects with clear, measurable patient outcomes within five years
- Collaborative research involving multiple teams, departments, or specialties
- Studies that address identified gaps in care or unmet patient need
- Research that can be implemented into practice within a short timeframe
All funded projects must adhere to the standard processes for research undertaken within the Trust. Grants not taken up within one year of approval may be withdrawn to ensure funding is directed toward active and deliverable research.
Your application should clearly explain:
- The research question and its importance to patient care
- The expected impact and how this will be measured
- The timeline for delivery, including how the project will begin within one year of funding
- How the project aligns with existing research priorities and Trust strategy
- Plans for future funding, scalability, or wider adoption
- Confirmation that the standard NUH research governance and approval processes will be followed
- Total available in this programme: £450,000
- Pump-priming research funding: Coordinated with the Trust’s Research & Innovation Department, supporting early-stage projects each year
- Additional research funding: Available for projects that meet the same criteria as pump-priming activity
All funded projects must adhere to the standard processes for research undertaken within the Trust.
Grants not taken up within one year of approval may be withdrawn to ensure funding is directed toward active and deliverable research.