The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research Design Service for the North West (NIHR RDS NW) encourages patient and public involvement (PPI) at all stages of research and encourages researchers to budget for PPI in research funding applications. However, we recognise that until research has been funded, researchers may find it difficult to pay for PPI involvement. This bursary scheme has been launched to support the costs of involving patients and the public in the early stages of research, while researchers are in receipt of NIHR RDS NW advice. Involving patients and members of the public at the earliest stage possible will help researchers to present a more compelling case for their study when submitting an application to research funding bodies; and could lead to higher quality research design.

Who is eligible?

Researchers in the North West who are:

• Developing proposals for national, peer-reviewed open call funding competitions for applied health or social care research.
• In receipt of advice from NIHR RDS NW for the same research project to which the public involvement bursary applies.

How much researchers can ask for?

This would usually be up to a maximum of £350 per project.

For full details of the bursary scheme, how to apply and to check if your proposed activities are eligible for the scheme please see the full application guidance here.

Please complete the PPI Bursary Scheme Application Form (available from your NIHR RDS NW Case Manager) and send either to your NIHR RDS NW Case Manager or to the Central Co-ordinating Office at rds-nw@lancaster.ac.uk.

Not in receipt of advice for your project and would like advice?

If you are not in receipt of advice from the NIHR RDS NW for your project and would like advice on any aspect of research design then you can request advice here. Please note that eligibility criteria apply.