Each year, we invite researchers from our local universities to apply to our research grants programme. Through this programme, we fund local researchers to carry out high quality research that delivers real benefits to people living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions.
Research Grants Programme 2026-27
Our Research Grants Application window 2026-27 opens on Monday 1st June 2026.
If you have any queries about the research grants process please contact Stephanie Cathcart, scathcart@nichs.org.uk
What type of applications do we want?
This is an open call. So, we welcome any research that is demonstrably focused on chest, heart, and stroke conditions, and their risk factors.
Whilst it is an open call, and all applications will be treated equally, we would like to see applications in the following areas:
- Stroke capacity. We would like to develop and expand stroke research capacity within Northern Ireland. Proposals that focus on stroke conditions or demonstrate how they will build long-term research expertise in this field are highly encouraged.
- Strategic alignment. Applications must align with the Live Well Live Longer Strategy 2026-2029. So, we are particularly keen on applications that focus on tackling health inequalities across conditions and systems. Applications that focus on the requirements of under-served or high-risk population groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, and those living in socio-economically deprived areas or geographical hotspots, are encouraged.
- Service evaluation and development. We also welcome research that strengthens the evidence base for our work, improves our services, or demonstrates the impact of our work.
In addition,
- Early career research. We welcome applications from early career researchers.
- Applications from diverse disciplines. We encourage applications from a wide pool of disciplines beyond the traditional medical and clinical fields, including allied health, psychology, pharmacy, social work, and health economics. These can be stand-alone or cross-discipline collaborative studies.
- Collaboration: We encourage applications based on partnership or matched funding.
- Co-production: We welcome applications that include at least one person with lived experience as a named Co-Applicant.
What We Do Not Fund
To ensure our funding remains focused on our core mission, the following exclusions apply:
- Secondary or indirect focus. We only fund research where the primary focus is the prevention, treatment, or management of chest, heart, or stroke conditions, or their direct risk factors. We do not fund studies where these conditions are secondary or incidental to another primary disease area (e.g. cancer).
- We do not fund studies that involve the use of animals.
- We do not fund PhD stipends, tuition fees, or standalone doctoral studies. While PhD students may participate in the research project as part of the wider team, their specific doctoral costs must be covered by other sources.
- We will not fund the creation of registries, databases, or tools that replicate existing systems.
- We do not fund foundational / “from scratch” AI modelling
Who can apply?
- The principal applicant and named alternative must be a researcher based at a local university, hospital, or research organisation.
- Previous applicants and grant holders can apply, unless previously advised otherwise.
- Current grant holders can also apply.
How we choose the research we fund
We use an expert review process accredited and in line with AMRC best practice. All applications will be assessed and scored against the following core pillars:
- Scientific Quality: The rigour, methodology, and innovation of the research.
- Benefit to People Living with Conditions: Tangible improvements for patients, including the quality of EDI and PPI engagement, with a clear pathway to impact.
- Benefit to the Charity: How the research aligns with our vision, mission, and values.
- Value for Money: Impact and benefits relative to investment.
See application pack for additional information
Window opens: Monday 1st June 2026
Closing date: 4.00 pm, Friday 28th August 2026
Queries
Regarding process: Stephanie Cathcart, scathcart@nichs.org.uk
Regarding design: Prof Mike Clarke, Director of MRC Methodology Hub; Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit, has kindly agreed to assist with queries around research design / method relating to your application. m.clarke@qub.ac.uk
We wish you the best of luck in your application!
