Increasing the evidence-base for Primary Care Practice.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research is a partnership between nine leading academic centres for primary care research in England.
Established in 2006, we work to increase the evidence base for primary care practice through high quality research and strategic leadership, and to build capacity in primary care with a well established training programme.
Latest news and blogs
March 2026 | NIHR SPCR Newsletter
19 March 2026
The March 2026 edition of our NIHR SPCR newsletter is out now. Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletters to stay updated about our latest news, publications and funding
Applications Now Open for the George Lewith Prize 2026
16 March 2026
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is welcoming applications from medical students for the George Lewith prize. Applications need to be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 24th April 2026.
Celebrating Four Years of the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement
10 March 2026
On the fourth anniversary of the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement, SPCR reflects on its contribution to strengthening public involvement in health and care research.
Current Funding Opportunities
SPCR PhD Studentships 2026
The nine SPCR member universities are now recruiting for their 2026 PhD Studentships.
More opportunities will be added as they are made available.
Three NIHR Research Schools' Mental Health Programme Masters Scholarships
A new funding opportunity is now open: Master’s Scholarships to build future capacity in academic mental health research.
Deadline: Thursday 26 March 2026, 13:00
Pharmacy Commercial Research Fellow
If you’re a Pharmacy Professional keen to shape the future of commercial research in primary care and community pharmacy, this fellowship offers a rare chance to work at the intersection of practice, research, and industry.
Deadline: Tuesday 31 March 2026, 13:00
Applications Now Open for the George Lewith Prize 2026
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) is welcoming applications from medical students for the George Lewith prize.
Deadline: 12 noon on Friday 24th April 2026.
NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme – Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
Applications are now open for the NIHR Three Schools’ Dementia Research Programme Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme.
Deadline: Friday 1 May 2026, 17:00
Upcoming Events and Latest Publications
How to deliver and implement physical health support services for people living with SMI)
Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 12pm to 4pm
University of Bristol | Free Webinar 'Tackling polypharmacy in primary care: Reflecting on learning from the IMPPP clinical trial'
Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 1pm to 2pm
Meeting the mental health needs of people in agricultural communities
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 12pm to 1pm
Latest publications
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Digital peer support interventions for people with mental health conditions in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal article
Sarah Croke et al, (2026), BMJ Mental Health
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Understanding the retention and support needs of UK first contact practitioner physiotherapists in primary care; a realist review
Journal article
Rob Goodwin et al, (2026)
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Health visitor and community health nurse perspectives of supporting parents caring for unsettled babies: a qualitative interview study
Journal article
Lucy Smith et al, (2026)
Members
The NIHR School for Primary Care Research is a research and capacity-building partnership between nine leading centres for academic primary care across England, with our Directorate hosted at the Keele University.
