GP practices and PCNs are being encouraged to apply for a share of £10.25m as part of an initiative to boost commercial research within primary care.
The programme launched by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) aims to create new Primary Care Commercial Research Delivery Centres (PC-CRDCs), to increase commercial clinical trials and improve the sector’s skills and capability in the research field.
Successful PC-CRDCs will be funded for up to £1.025 million over three years, which includes any capital spend. Money will be available from 1 November.
Practices, PCNs and any other GP-led, NHSE-funded primary care entities are eligible to submit applications.
The new centres of excellence will be part of the UK Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) Network, and will work collaboratively with industry, all parts of the clinical research infrastructure and aligned organisations within the devolved nations.
In addition, they will contribute to an increase in research inclusion ‘to ensure people from all eligible communities and those living with the greatest burden of disease can participate in commercial clinical trials,’ the NIHR has said.
And the centres will also act as hubs to make trial participation more accessible for people in primary care settings.
The creation of the centres support the ‘UK’s aim to be a global leader in commercial clinical research delivery,’ the NIHR added.
The closing date for applications is 1pm on 7 May, with the new PC-CRDCs and funding allocations announced in August.
Information about eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on the NIHR site.
Meanwhile, the NIHR is also inviting bids for a part of a separate pot of £60m – £10m of which is ring fenced for primary care – to help NHS organisations invest in crucial equipment, or building refurbishment needed for research activity.
The call is being funded in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry’s Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Investment Programme.
All non-commercial NHS organisations based in England are eligible to apply including practices, PCNs and GP federations.
The focus is on ensuring that NHS organisations are well-equipped to meet the needs of industry, the NIHR has said. And although the invitation to bid for funding is mainly for equipment and resources that enhance commercial research, the NIHR has said it ‘would like to support a balanced portfolio’ and is also encouraging applications from researchers leading non-commercial research.
Practices and PCNs can apply for funding of up to £300,000 to support the purchase of equipment, modular buildings (e.g. portacabins), or refurbishment projects for research delivery.
Funding will be awarded over a period of up to 29 months starting on 1 November 2025. All funding awarded must be spent by 31 March 2028.
Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care and CEO of the NIHR, said: ‘This funding will enable NHS and primary care organisations to improve their ability to deliver high-quality research that will benefit patients and the public. It reinforces the UK’s position as one of the best places in the world to run commercial research, and will encourage further investment that will drive economic growth and shape the future of health and care in this country.’
The deadline for applying is 14 May. For more information and details on how to apply, please see here.
