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Our Work

An established history of integrated, practitioner-focused research capability and capacity building in health and care.

For the past decade, NHS R&D NW has been at the heart of the North West region’s drive to improve health and care outcomes, develop experience and skills within the workforce, and increase research activity, both within the North West and beyond. Situated at the unique nexus of the health and care landscape, NHS R&D NW operates through an integrated network that empowers and amplifies research potential in the North West. As the health and care system undergoes continued transformation, we adapt to ensure research capabilities and capacity flourish and meet the evolving needs of 21st-century care. 

Join us in our mission to shape the future of health and care research and to deliver better outcomes for patients and service users.

Current Research Work Programmes

NHS R&D NW focuses on the development of early career practitioners in the health and care arena.  This is done through several targeted programmes and activities funded through NHSE and NIHR.   Our unique approach focuses on the needs of the individual researcher and our programmes provide mentorship, skills development and create active communities of practice. We collaborate with a diverse network of partners and stakeholders to shape health, care, and research agendas.

Provocations Seminar Series 2

Join NHS R&D North West and the University of Liverpool for Provocations, a free workshop series connecting health and care practitioners with researchers to tackle key topics like menopause, frailty, and historical medical racism.

Sessions run monthly online (May–December 2024), are CPD-certified, and designed to spark dialogue and inform practice. Spaces are limited—book early!

InRes: Introduction to Research

The InRes Pilot Programme empowers health and care professionals to integrate research into practice.

Running October 2024 to July 2025, it features monthly online workshops, coaching, and resources to build skills in research, leadership, and networking. Designed for busy professionals, InRes offers flexible, high-quality learning to drive positive change.

HEE Bridging scheme

HEE Bridging scheme is a way of providing support to clinical academics to build on their academic training and develop competitive applications for a pre or post-doctoral award, and take the next step on their clinical academic pathway. These awards offer support for research capacity building, skill development and leadership training.

HEE Internship

Unlock your academic potential as a non-medical health and care practitioner with the Integrated Clinical Academic Internship programme. These prestigious internships offer a way into clinical academia and provide dedicated research capacity building.

Releasing Potential: A series of one-day workshops!

Join our series of face-to-face workshops, open to all, to support early career researchers and beyond. Register now to secure your spot, but act fast as spaces are limited.

Past Research Work Programmes


The 12-month NIHR CRN Early Career Researcher Development Pathway, a comprehensive blended learning program designed to nurture future research leaders, has now concluded. This initiative supported healthcare professionals across the North West Coast and Greater Manchester with a passion for research, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Discover more about the programme

The Social Care Practitioner Researcher Programme has now concluded. This initiative empowered professionals in adult and children’s social care to enhance their practice through research, develop valuable skills, expand their networks, and drive innovation in the field. Participants benefited from up to £4,000 in funding, personalized coaching, and access to a wealth of resources, fostering their growth as practitioner researchers.

Read more about the pilot

Discover our collection of inspirational and informative films showcasing collaborations with remarkable individuals and organizations. Dive into our film library for a dose of inspiration and knowledge.

Click here to watch our series

Since 2014, the NHS Let’s Talk Research conferences foster research collaboration, featuring diverse themes. These events unite professionals from various backgrounds, encourage networking, and offer collaborative research opportunities.

Discover more about the past events

To view past cohorts and other past work programme visit our Archive page.

Documents Hub

Do you have questions or uncertainties? Visit our FAQs page.