Search the news
Search Results
NIHR RDN funding model update
Date: 26 February 2026
From April 2026, a new national funding model for the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) will be introduced. This model replaces the current regional funding distribution approaches used by Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs). Below is information about when NHS trusts and those within wider care settings will be notified of their allocations. There is also information about a NIHR Learn course which will help staff learn about the model.
NIHR RDN funding model allocations
Delivery organisations, including NHS trusts and those within wider care settings will be notified of their full NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) funding model allocations at the end of February.
Key dates:
27 February: RRDNs will communicate the full funding model allocations, along with the details of the successful RDN strategic and wider care settings funding, to all delivery organisations.
3 March: The results will be published on the RDN website detailing NHS trust allocations.
The NIHR website will announce the outcomes of the strategic and wider care settings funding distribution. Details of the funded strategic projects will be published at a later date.
You’ll find more information on our funding model on our website. If you have any questions please contact your RRDN funding model experts.
NIHR Learn Course on the NIHR RDN funding model
We have launched a new online course on NIHR Learn that introduces the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) funding model. The course details its different components, and aims to ensure staff understand how the model works and why it has been implemented.
This course is aimed at staff in delivery organisations who receive RDN funding. This includes:
- Staff based in NHS trusts, such as finance managers and directors, research and development (R&D) managers and directors, other R&D staff, research leads, Principal Investigators (PIs) and Chief Investigators (CIs).
- Staff based in wider health and care settings, for example, staff within general practice and community and residential settings.
The course should take around 1 hour to complete and you can leave the course at any time and return to where you left off.