The Link Feb/March 2026 - Book - Page 3
NEW FOR 2026
AHP Research excellence award
Sponsored by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
Supporting research leadership roles for AHPs –
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
2025 has been an exciting year, we launched
the first programme for AHPs. The Developing
Research Leader (DRL) Programme, which is
open to motivated AHPs who aspire to develop
as research leaders, are good at connecting
with others, and who bring fresh ideas to drive a
positive research culture.
This programme provides funded time to explore
ways to build research capacity and capability
within the delegates organisation, and to develop
a positive research culture in support of their
team, service and organisational priorities to help
improve health and care outcomes. By investing
in research leadership we are empowering AHPs
to mobilise others and make transformational
changes towards embedding research into practice.
Following on from the success of this programme
we are delighted to sponsor this new research
award, which will be given to an impressive AHP-led
research project or initiative which demonstrates
passion, dedication and expertise to their
profession and contributes to an inclusive, positive
and sustainable research culture.
NIHR Assistant Director for Allied Health
Professionals, Dr Lisa Ledger emphasises that
“AHPs are at the heart of plans for research in
England and instrumental in the key government
shifts around prevention, analogue to digital and
moving research into communities. NIHR provides
funding to undertake research that matters and to
ensure career opportunities reach all eligible health
and care professionals”
We invite you to showcase your impact. Nominate
a colleague or submit your own project or initiative
for the AHP Research Excellence Award and help
us celebrate the transformative power of AHP-led
research.
The National Institute for Health and Care
Research (NIHR) funds, enables and delivers
all aspects of health and social care research
to improve health and wellbeing, and promote
economic growth.
NIHR Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals aims to inspire and support NMAHPs from all
settings to improve health and care outcomes for those delivering and receiving services through research.
They provide guidance and development opportunities to enable NMAHPs to support, deliver or lead
research whilst maximising opportunities to develop and work to their potential.
NMAHPs are the largest group of health and care professionals and they make an unparalleled contribution
to health and care research, which is making a real difference to people’s lives. The vision is to inspire
NMAHPs from all settings to improve people’s health and wellbeing through research and develop research
skills, knowledge and experience.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY NOW
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