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In 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) celebrates 20 years of supporting health and care research across the UK. Over 2 decades, it has helped turn research into better care, new treatments and real change for patients and the public.
The anniversary year will celebrate that impact and the people behind it. A programme of activity will run throughout the year, including new prizes for rising research leaders and research delivery leaders, opening later this month.
The NIHR was founded in April 2006. Since then, it has become a central part of the UK’s research system. It funds research where it matters most. It supports teams to deliver vital studies. It helps develop research leaders at every stage.
NIHR-supported research has led to thousands of important advances, including:
- earlier detection of oesophageal cancer
- improved guidance for treating prostate cancer
- life-saving Covid-19 treatments
- advances in the use of artificial intelligence
This success is built on a strong, integrated research system that spans the NHS and beyond. The NIHR is publicly funded, for public benefit. For every £1 invested by government, NIHR research returns more than £13 to the UK economy.
Today, more than one million people take part in NIHR-supported research each year. Services such as Be Part of Research and Join Dementia Research help people find studies and play an active role in research.
During the anniversary year, the NIHR will reflect on what has been achieved and look ahead to the future. It will explore the challenges and opportunities still to come.
Partners, colleagues and supporters are invited to share their NIHR experiences, including:
- how the NIHR has shaped their research, career or organisation
- opportunities made possible through NIHR support
- what people may not know about the NIHR
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