Celebrating Six Years of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme

Date: 24 October 2025

Now in its sixth year, the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme is making a measurable impact, supporting research teams and transforming careers.

Over 5,700 trainees have now completed the scheme, contributing to over 1,500 studies across the UK. But the benefits go far beyond the numbers.

Demonstrating Impact at All Levels

A recent BMC article highlights the scheme’s multi-level impact for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in the SIP SMART2 trial:

• At an individual level, AHP participants reported growing confidence, stronger research skills, and better access to training and career opportunities including successful applications for doctoral study and stepping into more senior research roles.
• At an organisational level, the scheme supported teamwork, helped upskill staff in research delivery, and contributed to building a stronger culture of research in some Trusts and networks.
• At a wider level, we’re beginning to see the potential for long-term impact. The scheme is helping raise the profile of AHPs and other healthcare professionals in research, broadening access to research leadership roles.

What’s Next?

While the BMC article focuses primarily on AHPs and recognises that it could still be too early to fully measure the scheme’s long-term impact, the findings highlight promising opportunities for professional development, improved workforce recruitment and retention, and with time, the potential for enhanced patient outcomes.

Building on these insights, the NIHR is committed to further exploring and capturing the value of the Associate PI Scheme. This includes gathering feedback, tracking participant journeys after completing the scheme, and sharing success stories. Understanding the scheme’s impact is central to shaping its future and ensuring that research leadership opportunities are accessible to professionals from all disciplines and backgrounds, supporting their progression into leadership roles and strengthening the future of UK research.

Introducing the First NIHR Annual Alumni Event

As part of our ongoing commitment to exploring and capturing the value of the Associate PI Scheme, we are excited to host our first annual Alumni Event, taking place virtually on the 22nd January 2026. This event will bring together representatives from the RDDNs, Research Support Service’s, the NIHR Academy, and other NIHR services. It will be a valuable opportunity to explore local career development pathways, and highlight the support available for those continuing their journey in research delivery.  We will also take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our alumni, acknowledging their vital contributions to the research delivery.

To secure your place at the event, click this link to register

Apply now to start your journey as a trainee Associate PI.

Register your study with the Associate PI Scheme.

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