NIHR expands undergraduate research opportunities across the UK — full details
Key highlights of the expansion
- Increased funding and placements
- Additional funding allocated to support summer and year-long research projects for undergraduates.
- Opportunities now available across more universities and NHS trusts throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Targeted support for students from underrepresented backgrounds to improve diversity in research.
- Broader range of research areas
- Clinical trials, epidemiology, public health, and health services research.
- Emerging areas such as digital health, AI in healthcare, and genomics.
- Interdisciplinary projects linking medicine with engineering, data science, and social sciences.
- Structured mentoring and training
- Each undergraduate placed in an NIHR-supported research team with dedicated mentors.
- Training includes research methodology, ethics, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Focus on preparing students for future PhD, medical, or healthcare research careers.
- Regional expansion
- New hubs established in previously underrepresented regions.
- Partnerships with smaller universities and NHS Trusts to increase geographic and socioeconomic accessibility.
- Long-term career development
- Networking events, summer schools, and research conferences.
- Priority access to future NIHR funding schemes for students showing exceptional promise.
- Integration with the NIHR Academy’s career pathways for early-stage researchers.
Why this matters
- Addresses a long-standing gap in undergraduate exposure to applied healthcare research.
- Supports the UK government’s Life Sciences Vision, aiming to retain talent within UK research.
- Encourages innovation in healthcare by fostering fresh perspectives from early-stage researchers.
- Strengthens collaboration between universities, NHS trusts, and research institutes.
Example of impact
- Students participating in the 2025 pilot program contributed to projects on long COVID rehabilitation, digital patient monitoring, and mental health interventions, leading to early publications and conference presentations.
- Participants reported increased confidence in research skills and a higher likelihood of pursuing postgraduate research careers.
How to apply
- Applications typically open early spring, with programs running over summer or during the academic year.
- Applicants must be enrolled undergraduates in medicine, life sciences, public health, nursing, or related disciplines.
- Programs are advertised via NIHR-funded universities, NIHR Academy portals, and local NHS Trusts.
In summary:
The NIHR expansion of undergraduate research programs across the UK represents a strategic investment in the country’s future research workforce, providing hands-on experience, mentoring, and exposure to cutting-edge healthcare rese
NIHR expands undergraduate research opportunities — case studies & industry commentary
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has expanded undergraduate research programs across the UK to cultivate the next generation of healthcare researchers. Below are practical examples of impact from prior NIHR schemes and expert commentary on the broader implications.
1) Undergraduate research case studies
University of Birmingham — Summer Research Fellowship (2025 cohort)
Project focus: Long COVID rehabilitation interventions
Activities:
- Data collection from NHS clinics
- Literature review and protocol development
- Co-authoring conference abstract
Outcome:
- Student contributed to early peer-reviewed publication
- Gained mentorship from senior clinicians
- Reported increased confidence in research methodology
Relevance:
Demonstrates how NIHR programs accelerate student development and provide tangible outputs even at undergraduate level.
Cardiff University — Mental Health Innovation Project
Project focus: Digital mental health interventions for adolescents
Activities:
- Conducted user testing for an app-based therapy tool
- Analysed engagement metrics and outcomes
- Presented findings to NHS stakeholders
Outcome:
- Findings informed a regional NHS pilot program
- Students developed skills in health data analysis and stakeholder communication
Commentary:
Undergraduate contributions can have direct clinical impact while providing career-building experience.
University of Manchester — Digital Health & AI in Healthcare
Project focus: Predictive analytics in patient monitoring
Activities:
- Assisted in developing AI models for early detection of patient deterioration
- Participated in multidisciplinary research teams
- Drafted sections for grant proposals
Outcome:
- Students gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge healthcare technology
- Opened pathways to PhD or industry roles in health technology
Significance:
NIHR programs integrate students into high-impact research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
2) Regional impact examples
- Northern Ireland: Undergraduate placements in regional hospitals increased research exposure for students outside major metropolitan universities.
- Scotland & Wales: Partnerships with local NHS Trusts allowed students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to access research training.
Effect:
Enhanced diversity and inclusion in the UK health research workforce.
3) Expert commentary
Academic perspective
“NIHR undergraduate schemes bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical research, giving students early exposure to research culture.” — Senior Lecturer, University of Leeds
NHS perspective
“Embedding undergraduates in ongoing studies strengthens both workforce readiness and research outputs. Students often bring fresh perspectives to complex projects.” — NHS Research Manager
Policy perspective
“Expanding undergraduate research aligns with the UK Life Sciences Vision, ensuring long-term capacity in health innovation and clinical studies.” — Health Policy Analyst
4) Expected long-term effects
| Area | Likely outcome |
|---|---|
| Student skills | Stronger research methodology, data analysis, and communication |
| Career pipeline | Increased postgraduate and clinical research engagement |
| Research output | More publications, grants, and pilot studies involving undergraduates |
| Diversity | Greater participation from underrepresented regions and backgrounds |
| NHS impact | Enhanced integration of research findings into healthcare practice |
Bottom line
The NIHR expansion creates a win-win: undergraduates gain real-world research experience, while the UK health system benefits from new insights and an expanded future research workforce.
Case studies suggest programs increase student confidence, skills, and employability — while generating tangible contributions to ongoing health research initiatives.
arch — while widening access to underrepresented students.