Application Deadline: Midday Monday 16th June 2025
Round 3 of our funding award is now available to support individuals across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to develop larger applications for an NIHR Fellowship career development scheme. This funding is specifically aimed at supporting individuals who require additional support to be able to submit a competitive application.
In Round 3 of this funding, we will be accepting applications from those intending to apply for an NIHR Doctoral or Postdoctoral Fellowship only. Funding will be available for a maximum of 6 months, and will need to begin no later than Monday 1st September 2025.
About the Pre-Application Support Fund
This funding is used to buy out your time in your organisation, giving you protected time and support to develop your application. These awards are offered flexibly to suit your individual needs. Funding can be requested for a maximum equivalent of 50% FTE for 6 months. Awards must be completed by the end of March 2026.
In addition, the funds outlined below are also available to apply for:
- Up to £2,500 to support training
- Up to £1,500 for supervisory and mentoring input
- Up to £500 for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (including funds to support accessibility needs for public collaborators)
- Up to £1,500 to support accessibility requirements
Further details can be found in the PenARC Pre-Application Support Fund Guidance – Round 3
Eligibility
- Applicants should either be:
- a registered health and care professional in:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Allied Health Professions (AHPs)
- Pharmacy
- Social Care
- Social Work
- or a research methodologist
- a registered health and care professional in:
- Employed by a PenARC partner organisation.
- Hold a contract for the duration of the award and continue elements of the current job during the award.
Further details can be found in the PenARC Pre-Application Support Fund Guidance – Round 3
Timeline
- Application window: Monday 19th May – Monday 16th June 2025, 12:00 noon
- Application outcome: Anticipated to be by Friday 4th July 2025
- Award must start no later than Tuesday 1st September 2025 and end before 31st March 2026
What is PenARC?
Generally referred to as ‘PenARC’ our full title is National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula. The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.
We work with local partners across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to support research that responds to and meets the needs of, local populations and local health and care systems.
One way we achieve this is by building research capacity and experience in local services.
How to apply
Please complete the application form by midday Monday 16th June 2025. Completed applications should be emailed to PenARC@exeter.ac.uk using “Pre-Application Support Fund Application” in the email subject line.
Applicants are expected to have discussed their application with their manager and confirmed that they will be appropriately released from their position if in receipt of this award.
Applicants are expected to have read the PenARC Pre-Application Support Fund Guidance – Round 3 prior to submitting an application.
Contact us
If you have any queries not covered in the guidance please contact Professor Vicki Goodwin, Academic career Development Lead v.goodwin@exeter.ac.uk.