Our impact

The NIHR drives life-changing research for the health and wealth of the nation.

Investing in the NIHR provides a huge economic return to society.

For every £1 invested by the taxpayer, our research returns over £13 to the UK economy.

These returns come from improved health outcomes, profits to UK firms delivering research, and wider economic and social benefits generated through increased investment.

View our return on investment model for NIHR spend

Creating a more efficient NHS

Our research enables the NHS to be more efficient and effective. It has enabled the development of new drugs, treatments and therapies that reduce NHS expenditure or provide cost-effectiveness.

a woman undergoing a radiotherapy scan

Faster breast cancer treatment

A 1-week radiotherapy course for early-stage breast cancer is as safe and effective as the standard 3-week course. National rollout could save £495 million over 10 years.

ADHD digital test approved for use by the NHS

After successful trials by the NIHR, the NHS is now using a digital test to speed up the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
man doing spit test to detect prostate cancer

At-home spit test better than blood test at detecting prostate cancer

Researchers estimate that the spit test could identify up to 12,350 people earlier, saving the NHS around £500 million a year.

Leading innovation across the health and care sector

We fund and facilitate access to the latest equipment and technology. This enables innovative trials to be designed across hospital, primary, community and residential care settings.

Scientist working at computer in lab of a medical practice, UK - stock photo

Trial finds new CAR T-cell therapy is effective at killing cancer cells

A UK research spin-out company, supported by NIHR funding to tackle a range of cancers, raised £1.5 billion from private sector investment, growing UK jobs developing new CAR-T cell therapies.
A doctor using an instrument to look into a patient's mouth

How a ‘Sponge on a string’ is saving lives and NHS resources

A quick, accurate and low-cost test is enabling early detection of Barrett’s oesophagus, the precursor to oesophageal cancer, and helping to save lives and ease pressure on NHS resources.

Improving health and wellbeing at every stage of life

Our research helps people to stay healthy, productive and in work for longer. It helps people get the best start in life, thrive through adulthood, and enables people to stay active and independent into older age. 

a person holding their sore elbow

Reducing musculoskeletal-related work absences

This research found that changing vocational advice to people off work due to ill health helped them return to work faster. This produces an estimated return on investment of £33 into the economy and society per £1 invested in the research.
Aerial view of Bradford city

Bradford breathes easier as pollution levels fall

Our research is showing how a Clean Air Zone in Bradford is reducing pollution-related ill health and easing the strain on NHS resources.
Smiling truck driver in truck cabin

Driving a change in activity levels among truckers

This research showed HGV drivers’ health behaviours could be improved using a specially designed programme which includes health education sessions, Fitbits, and lorry cabin workouts. The training module is now embedded within the mandatory driver training of an industry partner, benefitting their workforce of more than 8,000 HGV drivers.

Funding a highly skilled workforce

We enhance research skills and capabilities across the health and care workforce, leading to patient and public benefits.  NIHR supported the employment of over 15,000 staff in 2023/24, creating opportunities, investing in skills and contributing to local economies across the country. 

Nurses helping patient walk

New research to tackle challenges facing NHS and care workforce

£24m will be invested in 5 innovative new research partnerships designed to tackle major challenges facing NHS and social care staff.
Medium shot of a female doctor and a male nurse standing together in a doctor's office. They are discussing a patient's notes. The doctor is wearing smart-casual clothing, and the nurse is in blue scrubs while holding an electronic tablet.

New Commercial Research Delivery Centres

The 18 new Commercial Research Delivery Centres will build upon the UK’s commercial clinical trials infrastructure and support patient recruitment into trials. Researchers will also have increased access to the latest equipment and technology to enable innovative trials to be designed across hospital and primary, community and residential care settings, bringing research closer to communities across the UK.
Winners of the NIHR impact prizes

NIHR Impact Prizes

Our Impact Prizes celebrate researchers whose work has transformed people’s lives or promoted economic growth.

Find out how to apply for prizes and see past winners.

More information

Our impact stories

Browse the full list of our research stories.

Our impact vision

Find out more about how we will better understand, learn and improve how NIHR contributes to making a difference.

Impact Advisory Board

View members of Impact Advisory Board

Sign up to our newsletters

Keep up to date with our latest news, events and funding opportunities.

Is this page useful?

Morty Proxy This is a proxified and sanitized view of the page, visit original site.