The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds the Research Design Service (RDS) to provide research design and methodological support to health and social care researchers across England to develop grant applications for the NIHR and other national peer-reviewed funding programmes. Advice is confidential and free of charge.
The Research Design Service South East is a collaboration between the University of Brighton, University of Kent and the University of Surrey. Covering the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex, advice and support is available through research clinics, face-to-face meetings and by telephone and email. RDS advises on all aspects of grant application preparation, including:
- formulating research questions
- building an appropriate research team
- involving patients and the public
- designing a study
- appropriate methodologies
- identifying suitable funding sources
- regulatory issues.
The Research Design Service South East website provides further information including eligibility criteria, case studies and contact details for advisers.