Coventry HDRC Lunchtime webinar: A brief Introduction to NIHR Funding

This webinar provided an accessible introduction to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), exploring what the NIHR was, why funding health and social care research mattered, and the types of projects it supported. We walked through the research funding application process, from initial idea to successful bid, and discussed what made a strong application. A key focus was on the importance of public involvement, highlighting why engaging people with lived experience improved research quality, built trust, and ensured real-world impact. We also showcased examples of local projects (Coventry HDRC), including the BENEFICIAL study on home energy efficiency and health, and a pilot study on the mental health and economic impacts of employment support.