NIHR: National Institute of Health and Care Research mentoring programme

The purpose of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to develop a highly skilled academic research workforce capable of advancing the best research, which improves health and benefits for society and the economy in England and beyond. We have a central role in England's health and care research landscape. We work alongside other organizations that have an overarching aim to strengthen health research in the United Kingdom (UK).

The NIHR Academy was established in October 2018 following a strategic review of training across the NIHR to review the past and look proactively at future training needs. It set out a vision underpinned by a series of recommendations which led to the reshaping of the training programmes offered.

The NIHR Academy comprises of ‘Members’ and ‘Associates’. Members include those on an NIHR academic path and those who play a recognized role supporting academic development.

In addition to the awards themselves, the NIHR also provides a range of leadership and mentoring programmes to complement its training programmes, regular networking opportunities, bespoke workshops and events, and personal advice and guidance on funding opportunities. Associate Members are those who are part of the NIHR research training ecosystem. They are either on a research trajectory or plan, or an NIHR role in supporting research training.

The NIHR provides postdoctoral Academy Members with career development support through its mentoring programme. The programme supports postdoctoral researchers from a broad range of professional and disciplinary contexts across our diverse health and social care communities to mentor others and to seek a mentor. This chapter outlines the mentoring programme framework, key design features, programme impact and participant experience, finally, lessons learned and future intentions.