Research grants scheme

Quality-related (QR) money received from Research England is used to support research across the University.

From this, the Institute for Health and Care Improvement is investing £30,000 into affiliate-led research projects in the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

The Research Pump-Priming Grant Scheme will support preliminary studies and activities that will form the basis of a more substantial external grant application for health and care research. Proposals should demonstrate how the research may lead to benefits in health and wellbeing or services related to health and social care.

The lead applicant must be an affiliate of the Institute and have a current contract with York St John University that covers the full duration of the proposed project. Individuals may only lead one application per year. Visit our Affiliates page for details of how to become an affiliate.

The grant scheme will open to affiliates for new applications May 5 2026. Deadline for applications is July 6 2026.

Download Application form: IHCI Affiliate Research Grants Scheme 2026 application form (docx, 0.2 MB)

How are applications assessed?

Funding will be awarded on a competitive basis. A fund disbursement group of at least 5 people and chaired by Professor Garry Tew will review applications on 5 criteria:

1. Importance: to what extent do the research aims or questions address an important problem or evidence gap?
2. Study design: the suitability and standard of methodology to address the project aims.
3. Expected outcomes: what the project could generate in terms of new knowledge, outputs, impact, and future research projects.
4. Resources requested: are the funds requested justified?
5. Feasibility: can the project be done, considering the study design, experience of the team, and resources requested?

Recently funded projects

Patient-based Disease Modelling using Pancreatic Cancer Organoids

Led by Dr Katharine Herbert and Professor Thomas A Hughes

Exploring the impact of gender and disability on disordered eating: giving voice to a marginalised and ignored experience

Led by Dr Ruth Knight

Expanding the Impact: Addressing the unmet needs of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder 

Led by Dr Charikleia Sinani

Culturally sensitive Perinatal Mental Health conversation with South Asian mothers

Led by Dr Manisha Singh

MIG-VAX: Understanding the awareness, perception, and acceptability of the Gonorrhoea Vaccine uptake among young BAME migrants in Kent

Led by Dr Obasanjo Bolarinwa

York's Mental Health: The Past, Present and Future of The Retreat

Led by Dr Carolyn Donohue