Research Programmes

NETSCC manages 5 distinct but interconnected evaluation research programmes, on behalf of, and operating within the context of the wider NIHR.

Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) programme

The EME programme evaluates research into the clinical efficacy of an intervention, where proof of concept in humans has already been achieved, and may add significantly to our understanding of biological or behavioral mechanisms and processes. The EME programme is funded by the MRC and NIHR, with contributions from the CSO in Scotland and NISCHR in Wales and the HSC R&D, Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland. It is managed by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC) based at the University of Southampton. .
www.eme.ac.uk 

NIHR Health Services Research (HSR) programme

The HSR programme provides funding for a broad range of health services research with the aim of improving service quality and patient safety. Researchers will be invited to submit both primary research and evidence syntheses proposals that would not currently be funded by existing NIHR, DH and MRC programmes, either due to remit or cost.
www.hsr.nihr.ac.uk 

NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme

The HTA programme delivers research information about the effectiveness, costs and broader impact of healthcare treatments and tests for those who plan, provide or receive care in the NHS.

The HTA programme commissions and funds research via four different routes:

• Standard calls -  commissions research proposals that address specific topics or themes; 
• HTA Clinical evaluation and trials calls - invites research proposals for evaluation studies and clinical trials on topics proposed directly by researchers;
• Themed calls  - one-off invitations for proposals to fund research in areas where a particular need has been identified;
• Technology Assessment Report (TAR) contract - specialist assessment centres are contracted by the Department of Health to undertake technology assessment reports on behalf of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and other policy customers.

www.hta.ac.uk 

NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) programme

The PHR programme evaluates public health interventions, providing new knowledge on the benefits, costs, acceptability and wider impacts of non- NHS interventions intended to improve the health of the public and reduce inequalities in health.
www.phr.nihr.ac.uk 

NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation programme

The SDO programme aims to improve health outcomes for people by funding research evidence that improves practice in relation to the organisation and delivery of healthcare. www.sdo.nihr.ac.uk 

Do you know which programme you need to go to?

then go directly to the programme website or to the webpage for the relevant theme:

Within the distinct remits, each programme may fund research within the common themes of: technology evaluation, public health and health services organisation.

FIND OUT MORE HERE