The National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) programme was established in 1999. It aims to improve health outcomes for people by:

• Commissioning research evidence that improves practice in relation to the organisation and delivery of healthcare
• Building research capability and capacity amongst those who manage, organise and deliver services – improving their understanding of the research literature and how to use research evidence

The programme’s goal is to identify, prioritise and refine the research needs of the NHS management community; to commission research that will be of great value to that community in shaping, influencing and contributing to decision-making; and in promoting the more effective use of research evidence alongside other forms of knowledge in their work.

The SDO programme produces independent research about the organisation and delivery of healthcare for NHS commissioners, providers of health care, partner organisations such as local authorities and the voluntary sector, and for users of health care. The SDO programme consults widely with these groups to identify the most important research questions to which the NHS needs answers. The programme commissions the research that meets these needs through different funding routes. In 2009 exciting new funding streams will be introduced.

Funding deadlines:

Please see links on the right for advance notice of forthcoming proposal calls.