The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) transforms the lives of patients and their loved ones by innovating health and care. It funds timely and high-quality health and care research, being the largest UK funder to do so, working closely with stakeholders to ensure that its work address key challenges people face. It also bolsters the health and care sector by training and supporting the careers of clinical academics, nurses, midwives and other health professionals. It was established in 2006 under the Blair government’s Best Research for Best Health strategy. It has six core workstreams – 1) funding high-quality, timely research, 2) Investing in expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce, 3) Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, 4) Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers, 5) Collaborating with other public funders, industry and charities and 6) Funding global health research and training for middle- and low-income countries.
