A research-active health and care workforce is key to improving the quality of national care services and improving outcomes for those who access them. The NIHR INSIGHT Programme is part of the NIHR Academy’s new funding to support the development of careers in research. This exciting scheme is the result of national funding to establish 12 locally-led regional programmes to build research capacity and capability.

Over three years, the INSIGHT programme aims to attract healthcare, social work and public health professionals into research. This will be achieved through the development and delivery of regional research engagement programmes and funded Research Masters Studentships.

The NIHR INSIGHT Programme North West, led by the University of Central Lancashire, is a collaboration of the region’s research-intensive Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester, and over 30 partners representing the regions health and social care providers.

To develop a highly skilled research workforce, equipped to tackle the complex health and care challenges of the future, and to navigate a landscape of widening health inequalities, we will fund up to 30 health and social care Research Masters Studentships each year.

Whether you are interested in pursuing a research career, or simply want develop your understanding of, and contribution to, evidence-based practice within your service, this programme is for you.

The call for applications to Round 2 of recruitment is now open and closes at 1pm on the 30th April 2025.

To find out more information regarding Round 2 of recruitment, you can access the webinar recording here.

The INSIGHT Programme Team will hold online drop-in sessions for Potential Applicants and Employers to ask specific questions relating to their individual circumstances, as well as an opportunity to speak to the Course Leaders. Dates and times can be found below.

To register for a drop-in session, email INSIGHTNW@UCLan.ac.uk.

Please click here to download a copy of the application form. Please send any completed application forms and queries to INSIGHTNW@uclan.ac.uk.