The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme is looking to fund research which evaluates the effects of interventions on the mental, physical, or both aspects of Veterans’ health.
This is a 2-stage funding opportunity. To apply for the first stage you should submit an outline application. If invited to the second stage, you will then need to complete a full application.
Eligibility
Please see our programme page for further detail on what we will fund.
Webinar
We are holding a webinar to support applicants seeking to apply to this funding opportunity and our other commissioned funding opportunities closing on the same date. This will be held on Tuesday 7 October 2025, 13:30-14:45, and will focus on each funding opportunity as well as general tips for applying. There will be a Q&A at the end. Sign up via our online form.
Research specification
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research (PHR) Programme invites applications in response to specific research questions. These have been identified, developed and prioritised for their importance to stakeholders including the Department of Health and Social Care, The Office for Veteran’s Affairs and other relevant Government Departments, Devolved Administrations, policy makers, local government, commissioners of public health services, public health leaders, public health practitioners, the third sector and the general public.
Research question
What are the effects of interventions on the mental, physical, or both aspects of Veterans’ health?
Background
Veterans often face health challenges stemming from their military service, including mental health conditions, musculoskeletal injuries, and difficulties transitioning to civilian life. Many veterans delay seeking mental health support due to stigma and challenges in recognising symptoms, highlighting the need for early intervention and accessible support systems. While dedicated services exist to address these needs, awareness and access remain significant barriers for both veterans and healthcare providers. The transition from military to civilian life can further impact mental health and family well-being, necessitating targeted interventions to provide continuity of care and holistic support. Research is needed to explore the effectiveness of community-based public health interventions in addressing these challenges, reducing health inequalities, and improving long-term outcomes for veterans and their families.
We are seeking research that evaluates interventions which can have an impact on the mental and physical health outcomes of veterans through community-based public health approaches. This can include both targeted, small-scale initiatives and larger community-level strategies that enhance access to health and well-being services for veterans, as well as other policy decisions in areas outside of health that may impact health. We are particularly interested in interventions that address key barriers to healthcare access, promote early intervention, and support veterans’ transition to civilian life. Evaluations should clearly define the nature of the intervention from the outset, avoiding broad generalisations and ensuring a precise understanding of the mechanisms at play.
Understanding the contextual factors that influence the impact of these interventions is essential for generating findings that can shape policy and practice.
You must demonstrate a strong grasp of the existing evidence base, highlight critical research gaps, and articulate how your study will address these deficiencies. Additionally, where relevant, you should integrate diverse sources of existing evidence to ensure a comprehensive approach.
We encourage you to explore past and presents funding opportunities of the programme which may also relate to engagement and interventions related to Veteran’s health here: Funding and Awards and Continuing areas of research interest to the PHR Programme.
When considering whether to apply, please see the key information below. When developing your application, please consider contacting the Research Support Service Specialist Centre for Public Health, and refer to the Domestic programmes funding guidance for outline applications, paying particular attention to the points highlighted below:
Population (P) – You need to specify and justify your choice of population, if the focus is on a specific veteran population. We recognise that different (sub)populations of veterans may have distinct needs. We expect you to consider health inequalities in all applications. We acknowledge that interventions can affect various (sub)populations differently, including specific cultural groups, vulnerable groups, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged populations, and recognise where intersectionality may exist. Given the complex nature of population needs, we encourage you to clearly define and substantiate both your selected interventions and target populations.
Intervention (I) – We are predominantly interested in the evaluation of interventions that operate at a population level rather than at an individual level. Our PHR Programme does not fund research into the treatment of disease but we are interested in research that addresses the wider determinants of health. The description of the intervention may include the setting. This includes policies, services, and structural initiatives that influence the broader determinants of veteran health. Examples could include coordinated care pathways between local authorities and veteran support organisations, housing policies that improve stability for veterans, or workforce initiatives that promote meaningful employment as a protective health factor. Our PHR Programme does not fund individualised treatment research.
Comparator (C) – While we recognise that conducting a randomised controlled trial is not necessarily possible or appropriate in many situations, we encourage you to consider including a suitable comparator.
Outcomes (O) – The primary outcome must be a health outcome. You will need to clearly describe and justify your choice of primary and secondary outcomes. You will also need to specify how outcomes will be measured in the short, medium, and long term. Where a primary health outcome is not feasible then intermediary and proxy outcomes are accepted, if appropriately justified. While mental health indicators are relevant, they must be robust—self-reported well-being scores alone are insufficient. Concrete health metrics such as service utilisation rates, addiction recovery outcomes, or employment stability should be considered.
Health inequalities – Of particular importance to our PHR Programme is an understanding of inequalities in impact of policy and access to services. Evaluations of interventions seeking to reduce health inequalities are also of specific interest.
Research areas of interest could include, but are not limited to:
- community-based interventions that support veterans’ mental and physical health, including social prescribing, peer support networks, and initiatives that promote social connection, social inclusion and reduce stigmatisation and isolation
- comparative studies that examine outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions in communities with structured veteran support versus those with limited provisions
- public health approaches to mental health and crisis support, such as improving early detection of mental health issues in veterans, increasing access to urgent mental health care, and evaluating interventions aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging veterans to seek help
- transitions from military to civilian life, including interventions that improve health outcomes during and after transition, support employment and housing stability, and address long-term health challenges linked to military service
- addiction treatment and harm reduction strategies, exploring the best ways to manage substance misuse, gambling, and other addictive behaviours in veterans, including those within the criminal justice system and those seeking rehabilitation
- interventions aimed at addressing past trauma, including support for veterans who have experienced trauma as a result of military action itself, as well as bullying, abuse, PTSD, survivor guilt, or military sexual trauma – this may also include evaluating models of care that improve mental health recovery
- physical health and long-term conditions, such as identifying links between military service and chronic conditions (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions, cancer), and developing community-led initiatives to improve veterans’ physical wellbeing
- improving collaboration between services, evaluating how health, social care, local authorities, and charities can work more effectively together to provide joined-up care and ensure veterans and their families receive the right support at the right time
- policy decisions, local government actions, and other forms of micropolitics that have disproportionately impacted veterans, particularly in areas such as housing, employment, and access to healthcare
- Interventions particularly aimed at supporting vulnerable veteran subgroups, such as minority ethnic groups or migrants, young veterans between the ages of 18 and 25 years of age, people with disabilities, veterans experiencing homelessness, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, and underrepresented gender groups
Study design
A range of study designs can be used. Innovative methodologies are welcomed. You should clearly describe your methodological approach, and the rationale for this approach. You are expected to be aware of any policy changes that may influence the research as well as other relevant studies. You should identify the gaps in the existing evidence base and articulate why your research is important for decision makers.
Health economics – understanding the value of public health interventions and whether the outcomes justify their use of resources – is integral to our PHR Programme, where resources relating to different economic sectors and budgets are potentially relevant. The main outcomes for economic evaluation are expected to include health (including health-related quality of life) and the impact on health inequalities as a minimum, with consideration of broader outcomes welcomed. Different approaches to economic evaluation are encouraged as long as they assess the value and distributive impact of interventions. Applications that do not include an economic component should provide appropriate justification.
Researchers are strongly encouraged to meaningfully involve a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the community and people with lived experience. They could be involved in the design, planning of the intervention, and throughout the project and, where applicable, as members of the research team. All activities should be suitably rewarded and costed in the application.
Outputs
Pathways to Impact – we are focused on the impact of the research we fund. You are asked to consider the timing and nature of deliverables in your proposals; and encouraged to maximise the impact of your research by explaining how you will mobilise knowledge and ensure that it is useful and relevant to stakeholders such as policy makers, practitioners (e.g. educators, health and care professionals), local government, public health officers, special interest groups, charities, community audiences and other stakeholders.
Duration and costs
You are advised that we are custodians of public funds and value for money is one of the key criteria that peer reviewers and commissioning committee members will assess applications against.
Inclusive research
You must fully consider inclusion throughout the whole research lifecycle and provide information on any associated costs.
For full details see:
Research Inclusion funding application guidance.
Visit funding web page
(https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/veterans-health/2025362)
