Background
Launched in 2019, the NHIVNA research awards scheme is open through competitive application to NHIVNA members for projects that impact on the improvement of clinical care and management of people living with HIV in the UK.
A total of up to £2,000 is available to be distributed amongst the successful applicants, according to the quality of the submitted proposals. The awards process is managed through an awards panel. Each application is independently reviewed by at least two members of the panel and decisions about allocation of awards are made at a meeting of the whole panel. The research awards are open continuously with applications being reviewed on an ongoing basis. All applications will be notified of the outcomes within six weeks of the respective sitting of the research award panel, which will meet quarterly.
Purpose of the awards
NHIVNA research awards provide funding for research or development projects that will improve the care and management of people living with HIV in the UK. They are specifically designed to build research capacity in the NHIVNA membership by enabling members with limited research experience to undertake a project with mentorship and support.
Applications
Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.
Application support and additional information
The NHIVNA research awards programme provides support to all potential applicants including queries on eligibility, and advice on the application process. In addition, NHIVNA provides potential applicants with access to mentors with research experience, who are willing to provide guidance and support for the project.
All applicants are required to have a NHIVNA research mentor. They will provide help and guidance during the application process and over the course of the project. If you have a suitable mentor, then please include their contact details in your application form. If you do not know someone who could take on this role, then NHIVNA has a pool of volunteers from whom a mentor can be allocated to support your application and research. This might take place after your project has been approved for funding. Please do not delay your application if you have not been allocated a mentor.
Funding available
A total of up to £2,000 is available for the 2024 round to be distributed amongst the successful applicants. You can apply for between £100–£2,000 for an individual project.
Eligibility
The awards are only open to paid-up NHIVNA members , either clinical or non-clinical, working with people living with HIV in any capacity in the UK.
NHIVNA seeks to support those who are developing and establishing themselves as independent researchers. We welcome applications from NHIVNA members of all grades, irrespective of level of qualifications. Successful applicants will be allocated a mentor, possibly with a doctoral qualification, to support with the research project.
There is no limit on the number of applications someone can make to the scheme. If you have been unsuccessful, we encourage you to seek advice and support before submitting again.
How to apply
Please download and read the Guidance Manual, which includes full details of the awards and notes on how to prepare your application.
You should submit your completed application and declaration forms to the NHIVNA Secretariat at nhivna@nhivna.org.
The research awards will be open continuously from June 2023 with applications being reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Previous winners
Winner from 2023 awards round:
Michelle Croston: 'What is the effect of writing for wellbeing on people living with HIV?'
There were no NHIVNA Research Awards in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
Winners from 2019 awards round:
Emma Hainsworth: 'Identifying priority areas for interventions to improve healthcare experiences for patients with a dual diagnosis of HIV and cancer and describing the barriers and facilitators to their implementation'
Click here to watch the three videos on 'Life with HIV and Cancer' featuring the powerful accounts of three people who have generously shared their stories.
Charlie Hughes: 'Initial perceptions of HIV nurses involved in delivering a community-based intervention to improve engagement of HIV patients in care and treatment – qualitative enquiry'
Felicity Young: 'What is the experience of HIV healthcare while in English prisons? An exploration of men’s experiences.'
