NIHR Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme

Core elements

There are 4 core elements to the programme which take 12-18 months to complete:

1. Element 1:recorded online tutorials providing an overview of the role and the responsibilities of the Principal Investigator (PI) on a NIHR portfolio study and why the role is important in the delivery of high quality research. Facilitated virtual sessions are provided to discuss learnings from the online content.
2. Element 2:supervised experience in the PI role, which helps you develop practical knowledge and skills in a safe environment.
3. Element 3:you assume the PI role on a NIHR portfolio study. This builds on the practical experience gained in Element 2.
4. Element 4:you mentor other learners who are at an earlier stage of the programme or on other PI development schemes, eg Associate Principal Investigator scheme.

See full programme details

What recognition do I achieve for having completed the PIPP?

After finishing each element, you will receive an NIHR-endorsed certificate. It will list what you learned in that element of the programme and acknowledge you as a Principal Investigator (PI) delivering NIHR portfolio studies.

Is there a cost to take part in the PIPP?

The programme is free. However, learners need to negotiate the time required with their line manager before applying to the programme. We suggest this forms part of Personal Development Plans within appraisal conversations.

Eligibility

You can apply to PIPP if you are:

• a registered Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) nurse or midwife, or a General Dental Council (GDC) registered dental nurse
• a registered Allied Health Professional in England – see the NHS England list of AHP roles
• employed by the NHS or another organisation funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• based in England

You also need to:

• work in research delivery at least 50% of the time
• have enough experience in research delivery to develop your role into a PI. There are no specific requirements based on your pay band or length of time working in research
• have the support of both your line manager and a local PI(s)
• can commit to the time frame of the programme
• can identify NIHR portfolio studies to act as PI on

If you already have PI experience

You can also apply if you:

• have taken on the role of PI in the past and want to consolidate your learning
• want to act as the PI on a type of study that you don’t have experience with

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture. We encourage applications from research delivery nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working across a range of settings, including primary, secondary, community and social care.

Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion at NIHR.