The NIHR Better Methods, Better Research (BMBR) Programme, is accepting applications to this funding opportunity. This is a 1 stage, researcher-led funding opportunity. To apply, you will need to complete and submit a full application.
The BMBR Programme is a collaboration between the MRC and NIHR. It aims to ensure that optimal research methods are used to advance biomedical, health and care research, policy and delivery.
Project proposals would typically be valued up to £625,000 (100% full economic cost (FEC)). MRC and NIHR will usually fund up to 80% of your project’s FEC.
Research outputs should be available and usable to the fullest extent. Open-source software and code are encouraged. Costs to support this are eligible under the NIHR Open Access publications funding guidance.
Eligibility
See our BMBR Programme page for details about the overall programme remit and eligibility criteria.
Research specification
BMBR aims to improve efficiency, quality and impact across biomedical, health and care related research within MRC and NIHR remit. The programme supports methodology research that develops and delivers ways to improve the research methods used by others.
Methodology research maximises benefits for researchers, patients and the general population. It also ensures health and social care research and policy are built on the best possible evidence.
To fulfil these aims, methodology development or improvement supported by BMBR must:
- underpin an evidenced research need within MRC or NIHR remit
- be able to be generalised beyond a single case study
- demonstrate early engagement with a broad range of end users for developed methodology
- improve best practice, and evidence a pathway to implementation and sustainable impact
- demonstrate awareness of current gaps in the translation of methodological research
To achieve its objectives, BMBR works with organisations to identify methodological needs. These include emerging and current needs. BMBR also ensures the methodologies developed are taken up by others and add value to research.
Standing partners providing input into the programme include:
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW)
- Chief Scientist Office, Scotland (CSO)
- Health and Social Care, Northern Ireland (HSCNI)
Additional stakeholders are consulted as required to support emerging priority areas. For example, the National Advisory Group on Clinical Audit and Enquiries.
Please refer to the BMBR Programme page for further information on our scope and remit.
Visit funding web page
(https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/bmbr-programme-researcher-led/2026406)
