Methodology Research Programme
The Methodology Research Programme (MRP) is a key part of the MRC–NIHR joint strategy for publicly funded health research. The MRC manages the MRP on behalf of the MRC–NIHR partnership.
The MRP, which was set up in 2008, strengthens the evidence base for health research by overseeing and implementing an evolving strategy for high quality methodological research. The programme funds investigator-led projects, as well as needs-led research aiming to fulfil strategic priorities. The MRP also takes into account the needs of other stakeholders such as the devolved administrations, industry R&D and regulatory/advisory agencies.
The programme covers methodology research to underpin the biomedical sciences, experimental medicine, clinical trials, population health sciences, health services research and health policy. MRP’s focus is on developing more widely applicable methods that can be used beyond a specific case-study. Funding decisions are made by the MRP Panel of experts. Please see the grant funding opportunities page for more details.
Two areas of continuing strategic importance to methodology research funded in the past are: methods research for complex interventions and methodology underpinning patient reported outcome measures.
In addition, in 2009 the MRP Panel put out a £2-million call for research proposals in methodological research to underpin decision-making at the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
