NIHR Launches Funding to Shape the Future Health and Social Care Workforce

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has launched a funding opportunity focused on Area of Research Interest 3 (ARI 3), supporting the development of a sustainable, innovative, and technology-enabled health, public health, and social care workforce.

The initiative encourages research exploring barriers to recruitment and retention, workforce structuring, efficiency improvements, and technology-assisted solutions such as AI diagnostics, virtual wards, and remote care. Funded projects will complement recent NIHR investments, including £25 million in workforce research partnerships and over £15 million in primary care, training, and occupational health initiatives.

Past studies underscore the impact of workforce improvements: higher nursing staff levels reduce mortality, improved staff-patient relationships enhance safety, and targeted training boosts dementia care effectiveness.

Understanding workforce challenges and integrating innovative technology is critical for delivering world-class care. All proposals must address engagement, impact, knowledge mobilisation, health inequalities, economic growth, and adoption of innovation.

20-10-2025