Do you have a great idea for a mental health research project but aren’t sure how to take the next step? Look no further than the NIHR’s Research Support Service – free, tailored, expert advice for researchers on all aspects of developing and writing a research funding application.
The Research Support Service (RSS)
The RSS supports health, social care, and public health researchers to develop and write high quality funding applications. Whether you want advice on the most appropriate funding scheme for your project, support with looking at different types of personal awards, guidance on the research methodology you’re considering, ‘pitching’ your application, or how to involve patients and the public in your research, you can take advantage of free advice from any RSS hub. Advisors are based in eight different hubs across the UK, including a specialist centre for mental health research based out of the hub in KCL. Advice is available in a number of different forms.
Who can access the RSS?
The RSS can support anyone who is considering an application to fund a project in applied health, public health, or social care research.
- Researchers applying to national, open and peer-reviewed research programmes, including all domestic NIHR funding programmes, UK Research Councils and national health and care charities.
- Researchers based in England and in devolved nations if they are working in collaboration with English partners.
The RSS supports applications for clinical and applied health, public health and social care research, including fellowships and other personal awards. They do not support global health research.
What the RSS can do for mental health researchers
RSS advisers can help with specialist advice on the design and development of research funding applications:
- Identifying appropriate funding schemes
- Developing and refining your research idea, aims and objectives
- Pitching and writing applications
- Study design and methods, including qualitative, quantitative and health economic methods and analysis; health psychology, clinical trials, co-design
- Building multidsiciplinary research teams
- Planning for disemination, implementation and impact
- Patient and public involvement, community engagement and research inclusion
- Reviews and feedback on draft funding applications
- Preparing for interviews for fellowships, including mock interviews
RSS hubs also:
- Run seminars and workshops on NIHR funding opportunities and developing research proposals
- Signpost to other centres with specific expertise.
What will I discuss with an RSS adviser?
Check out the infographic for questions that you might work through with an RSS adviser to develop a strong research proposal.
A national service delivered by regional centres
If you are looking for tailored support with your research idea, book an appointment with the RSS. If you would prefer to contact a hub local to you or a Specialist Centre (run by some of the hubs), click on the relevant link(s) below.
University of Birmingham and Partners
Imperial College London and Partners
Lancaster University and Partners
University of Leicester and Partners
Newcastle University and Partners
University of Southampton and Partners
University of York and Partners
Kings College London and Partners (mental health and brain disorders)
Specialist Centre for Public Health
Specialist Centre for Social Care
The MHR Incubator is partnering with the RSS for our 2026 Fellowship Planning retreat! Find out more in our 2026 retreats blog post. Express your interest in the retreat.