Research & Development Support Units (RDSUs) currently have a responsibility to support high quality and mutli-disciplinary health and social care research.

 

At present RDSUs have patchy geographical coverage in England and undertake a variety of research related activities. Within the Government's new national health research strategy, Best Research for Best Health (2006), this remit has been revisited and RDSUs have recently undergone a review by the Department of Health to inform a strategy for future investment.

 

Two general findings of the review were that RDSUs should have full and comprehensive coverage of England and should focus on the provision of expert advice for researchers who wish to carry out applied research within the NHS.

 

Following the review, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is establishing a new network of what will be called Research Design Services (RDS) to help researchers develop and design high quality research proposals for submission to national, peer reviewed funding competitions for applied health or social care research.

 

The deadline for submission of full applications is 17.00, 14 January 2008.