The new General Paediatric Incubator, led by Dr Katrina Cathie and Dr Lee Hudson, was awarded the funding following an open competition in 2024. The new incubator will begin in July 2025.

Four other new Incubators were also awarded funding in 2025: 

• Knowledge Mobilisation for Research Inclusion, led by Professor Krysia Dziedzic and Dr Alice Moult

• Acquired Brain Injury Social Care Network, led by Professor Andrew Bateman and Dr Alyson Norman

• Palliative and End of Life Care, led by Professor Christina Faull and Professor Candy McCabe

• Oral Health Research: informing policy across the UK, led by Professor Zoe Marshman and Professor Chris Vernazza

Professor Wendy Baird, Associate Dean for Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures said: “I am delighted to announce the funding for 5 new incubators. These new Incubators will help to break down barriers for early career researchers in these areas. By collaborating closely with the community, they will produce innovative solutions to the challenges they encounter.”

Incubators are virtual and bespoke to their community. They play an important role in training and supporting researchers, helping them to tackle health and care challenges. Incubators run engagement and outreach activities. They also provide training to help develop and support research careers. For more information see https://www.nihr.ac.uk/news/nihr-funds-new-incubators-support-research-careers-0.