Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships

Nursing Commercial Research Fellowships 2026

The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is launching a new development fellowship programme designed to strengthen nursing leadership in commercial research across primary care and wider care settings.

This programme will offer nurses the opportunity to develop skills in commercial research delivery, academic growth, strategic systems leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. A total of 11 part-time Fellows will be appointed across SPCR member departments, as well as at Newcastle and Birmingham.

Fellowships may be undertaken at 0.4 or 0.5 FTE and can run for up to 18 months, concluding no later than 31 March 2028.

Purpose of the scheme:

• To enhance understanding of commercial study pathways and relevant regulatory processes
• To explore the role of nursing in supporting commercial research
• To provide training in governance, appraisal, academic writing, and public and stakeholder engagement
• To promote collaboration with NHS, NIHR, industry, and academic partners
• To create a national fellowship cohort, including supervision, training sessions, shared learning, and peer support

Eligibility and recruitment:

• Open to NMC-registered nurses in primary care, community services, or wider care settings
• Fellows may be employed directly or seconded (dependent on local member department policies)
• These posts will be recruited locally, with timelines set by each host institution.

Posts may vary slightly across each institution — please see details below.