Researchers who are located within Northern Ireland, and who can demonstrate an interest in the fields of chest, heart and stroke illness, are invited to apply.

Successful applications:

• Must meet the criteria outlined in the guidance document.
• Will clearly fit with our Research Strategy and wider aims and values

Whilst there is no specific theme to our research call this year, we would welcome applications that propose to study the impact of long COVID, particularly amongst those at risk / living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions and their carers.

The application window for the 2021/22 round of NICHS Research Grants has opened on Monday 14^th June 2021. Closing date: 4.00 pm, Friday 20^th August 2021

Click here to download your application pack

The pack contains:

1. An application form
2. Guidance notes
3. Monitoring form
4. Decision making timeline
5. Service User involvement application form
6. Lay / Plain English Tips and resources
7. Public & Patient Involvement (PPI) resources
8. Additional information

We also recommend that you refer to the following supporting materials from our recent Grants workshop.

• Funding decision making process (video, slides and associated notes)
• Prof Mike Clarke’s research formulation workshop (slides and video)

Please note

Whilst this is an open call, we welcome applications – particularly co-produced research projects–that address the following areas:

• Feasibility of developing a post-primary whole school physical activity programme similar to Y-PATH (delivered in Republic of Ireland).
• Improve the quality of life and management of the longer term symptoms of COVID-19 for people living in the community
• Improve the effectiveness and impact of NI Chest Heart and Stroke charity to shape our future strategy and services
• Development of the empirical evidence underpinning NICHS services.
• A review of the effectiveness of digital delivery of services.

Additional information is available in the application pack.

Similarly, we welcome applications that emphasise co-production and other forms of meaningful service user involvement.

As it is an open call, all applications will be treated equally (i.e. no additional weighting will be allocated to applications that address these areas).

We wish you the best of luck in your application!

We only fund the best quality, local research. We choose this through a rigorous peer review process, and all research is regularly monitored and assessed.

Read more about how we choose the research we fund here.

This paper is intended for currently funded projects. [Download]

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt across the breadth of society. We know that this is a deeply challenging time for the people who use our services, our staff, and for our research grant recipients.

We believe that everyone’s immediate focus should rightly be on their safety and well-being, that of their families, and those that they are responsible for.

The intention of this position paper is to inform research grant holders of our position with regards to maintenance of grants, and how we will support you, in what are fast-changing circumstances. This is a “live” document, and subject to change.

If you are a grant holder, and have concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on your research, please contact us.