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For researchers

We fund world-class research and support the next generation of talented researchers.

Together, we’re developing the new tests, treatments and cures needed to improve the health of women, girls and babies in the UK and beyond.

Our research funding opportunities

Entry Level Scholarships

We support graduates to develop research interests in women’s reproductive and gynaecological health.

Doctoral Fellowships

We support individuals to undertake a PhD and lead their first substantial research project.

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

We support research-active lecturers, or lecturer equivalent level, to gather data and strengthen their bids for longer-term substantive funding.


How our research works

Our rigorous selection process and independent peer review guarantees we fund the highest quality research. This means we achieve the greatest impact on improving healthcare for women, girls and babies.

We’re accredited by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). We work collaboratively with key partners including the UK governments, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Physicians.

Download our guide to the application process

Download our assessment criteria and scoring guide

Download our funding success rates

Our research strategy

We’re striving to improve the health of women, girls and babies by:

  • supporting high-quality and innovative research with realistic aims
  • closing gaps in scientific and medical knowledge
  • investing in promising new women’s health researchers
  • developing academic research, knowledge and techniques in women’s healthcare
  • futureproofing the charity by maintaining quality and transparency
  • promoting our research results and working with relevant organisations to do so
  • building a research portfolio which we can use to fund more research.

Download our research strategy

Policies

All our research funding is overseen by our Research Advisory Committee. Our policies include:

We’re a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities and we support their position statements on:

NIHR non-commercial partner

We’re a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) non-commercial partner.

This means the studies that we fund may be eligible to access the NIHR Study Support Service, which is provided by the NIHR Clinical Research Network.

This network can support health and social care research taking place in non-NHS settings like care homes and hospices. It can also help public health research in schools and other community settings.

Read the Eligibility Criteria for NIHR Clinical Research Network Support.

When planning your study, we encourage you to involve your local NIHR Clinical Research Network team in discussions as early as possible. This will help you to fully benefit from the support available.

If your study involves NHS sites in England, you’ll need to apply for Health Research Authority Approval. Guidance on submitting an application.