Increasing the evidence-base for Primary Care Practice.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research is a partnership between nine leading academic centres for primary care research in England.
Established in 2006, we work to increase the evidence base for primary care practice through high quality research and strategic leadership, and to build capacity in primary care with a well established training programme.
Latest news and blogs
PALP-AF: turning “what works” into “what helps” for people living with atrial fibrillation
8 hours and 19 minutes ago
Dr Rosina Cross, Dr Sinead McDonagh & Professor Christopher Clark , reflects on the evidence base and patient-led evidence of the SPCR funded PALP-AF programme for the last 18 months.
SPCR Masterclass Recording | Engaging people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation in research
24 March 2026
The SPCR recently hosted a masterclass titled “Engaging people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation in research.” The session explored practical and meaningful ways to involve underserved communities in research, highlighting why inclusion matters and how researchers can better design studies that are accessible, equitable, and grounded in lived experience.
Online consultation tools should not be a mandatory first step to access primary mental healthcare
23 March 2026
Researchers from the University of Bristol have found that online consultation tools should not be a required first step for accessing GP care, according to a study funded by the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR), grant 598.
Current Funding Opportunities
SPCR PhD Studentships 2026
The nine SPCR member universities are now recruiting for their 2026 PhD Studentships.
More opportunities will be added as they are made available.
Three NIHR Research Schools' Mental Health Programme Masters Scholarships
A new funding opportunity is now open: Master’s Scholarships to build future capacity in academic mental health research.
Deadline: Thursday 26 March 2026, 13:00
Pharmacy Commercial Research Fellow
If you’re a Pharmacy Professional keen to shape the future of commercial research in primary care and community pharmacy, this fellowship offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of practice, research, and industry.
Deadline: Tuesday 31 March 2026, 13:00
Applications Now Open for the George Lewith Prize 2026
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is welcoming applications from medical students for the George Lewith prize.
Deadline: 12 noon on Friday 24th April 2026.
NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme – Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
Applications are now open for the NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme.
Deadline: Friday 1 May 2026, 17:00
Upcoming Events and Latest Publications
Meeting the mental health needs of people in agricultural communities
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 12pm to 1pm
Systemic influences on parent carer mental health and co-creation of resources to inform service improvement
Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Public Collaborator Training: Reviewing Plain English Summaries (or Lay Summaries)
Thursday, 21 May 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm
Latest publications
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Managing multiple long-term conditions in people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation: a qualitative study of primary care perspectives
Journal article
Eleanor Wyke et al, (2026), British Journal of General Practice
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Communication during out-of-hours primary care contacts for people with a terminal illness: a scoping review
Journal article
Rebecca Anderson-Kittow et al, (2026), BMJ Open
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Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal article
Sarah Croke et al, (2026), BMJ Mental Health
Members
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research is a research and capacity-building partnership between nine leading centres for academic primary care across England, with our Directorate hosted at the Keele University.
