About the RDS Yorkshire & the Humber
The NIHR Research Design Service (RDS) Yorkshire & the Humber is one of 10 regional services across England that provide tailored design and methodological support to health and social care researchers. Our primary aim is to increase the volume and quality of successful grant applications to national peer-reviewed funding competitions.
Our expertise covers a wide range of research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. We have specialists in various areas of health and social care research, including clinical trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, economic evaluations, and implementation science.
Operating across the Yorkshire & the Humber region, we work with researchers from universities, NHS organizations, local authorities, charities, and industry. Our team draws on expertise from throughout the region, ensuring that researchers receive advice from specialists with relevant knowledge and experience.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of health and social care research by providing expert methodological advice to researchers across Yorkshire & the Humber, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful funding applications that will lead to research with direct patient and public benefit.
Our Services
The RDS Yorkshire & the Humber offers a range of free services to support researchers at all stages of developing a research proposal. Our support includes:
Research Design and Methodology
- Guidance on appropriate research designs for specific research questions
- Advice on study methodology and protocol development
- Assistance with quantitative and qualitative methods
- Support with mixed methods approaches
- Guidance on study implementation and practical considerations
Statistical Support
- Sample size calculations and power analyses
- Statistical analysis plans
- Data management advice
- Guidance on statistical methods appropriate for study design
Health Economics Support
- Economic evaluation design
- Cost-effectiveness analysis planning
- Budget impact analysis advice
- Measurement and valuation of health outcomes
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
- Advising on effective PPI strategies
- Connecting researchers with PPI resources
- Guidance on incorporating PPI into research design
- Support with developing PPI plans for funding applications
Grant Application Support
- Reviewing and providing feedback on draft applications
- Guidance on responding to reviewers' comments
- Advice on addressing specific funder requirements
- Mock interviews for shortlisted applicants where appropriate
Funding Support
The RDS Yorkshire & the Humber supports researchers applying for funding from a variety of sources, particularly national peer-reviewed funding competitions. These include:
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funding programmes
- Medical Research Council (MRC) grants
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grants
- Wellcome Trust awards
- Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme
- Public Health Research (PHR) Programme
- Health Services and Delivery Research (HS&DR) Programme
- Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme
- NiHR Programme Grants for Applied Research
- UKRI strategic priorities
Did You Know?
Research shows that applicants who receive support from the RDS are significantly more likely to achieve funding success compared to those who do not access our services. Our advice has helped hundreds of researchers across Yorkshire & the Humber secure competitive research funding.
Targeted Support for Specific Funding Calls
In addition to our ongoing support, we occasionally offer targeted support for specific funding calls. This may include expert-led workshops, webinars, and enhanced support packages tailored to the requirements of particular funding opportunities. These initiatives are publicized through our website and mailing lists.
Getting Advice
Accessing RDS support is straightforward and free of charge. The initial consultation is always confidential and carries no obligation to use our services further. Here's how to get started:
Initial Contact
Contact your local RDS office to request an initial discussion. You can do this by phone, email, or through our online contact form. Please provide a brief outline of your research idea, including the research question, your intended methods, and your experience as a researcher.
Assessment of Needs
Following your initial contact, a member of the RDS team will assess your needs and match you with appropriate experts from our advisory team. This ensures you receive advice targeted to your specific research area and methodological requirements.
Advice Sessions
We typically arrange face-to-face or virtual advice sessions with our advisors. These sessions focus on addressing your research design questions and helping you develop a robust, fundable research proposal. The number of meetings depends on your needs and the stage of your research development.
Ongoing Support
We aim to provide ongoing support throughout the grant application process. This may include reviewing draft applications, providing feedback on responses to reviewer comments, and connecting you with additional resources or networks as needed.
Eligibility
Our service is available to researchers based in or working with NHS organizations, universities, local authorities, or qualifying third-sector organizations across the Yorkshire & the Humber region. There is no charge for our advice, and we support both new and experienced researchers.
Events and Training
The RDS Yorkshire & the Humber runs various events and training opportunities throughout the year to support researchers:
Research Design Workshops
Our interactive workshops provide practical guidance on specific aspects of research design and grant application. Topics include writing competitive grant applications, patient and public involvement, health economics in research, and methodology-focused sessions.
Seminars and Webinars
We regularly host seminars on contemporary research methodology topics, delivered by expert speakers from across the region. These events provide opportunities for learning and networking with other researchers.
Grant Writing Retreats
Periodically, we organize intensive grant writing retreats where researchers receive focused support from RDS advisors while developing their applications in a collaborative environment.
Mentoring
For early career researchers, we offer mentoring opportunities that pair less experienced researchers with more senior colleagues who can provide ongoing guidance and support.
Visit our events page for information about upcoming workshops, seminars, and other opportunities.
Resources
We provide a range of resources to support researchers:
Online Guides
Our website hosts comprehensive guides on various aspects of research design, including guidance on developing research questions, study design selection, and conducting health economic evaluations.
Templates and Checklists
We offer downloadable templates and checklists to help researchers structure their applications and ensure key elements are included.
Webinar Recordings
Recordings of our past webinars are available on our website, covering topics such as PPI in research, qualitative methods, and grant writing tips.
Funding Call Database
Our searchable database includes information about upcoming funding opportunities relevant to health and social care researchers.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our regular newsletter for updates on funding calls, events, resources, and research opportunities.
Contact Us
The RDS Yorkshire & the Humber has offices across the region to provide accessible support to researchers everywhere:
Regional Office
Research Design Service Yorkshire & the Humber
University of Leeds
Worsley Building
Clarendon Way
Leeds, LS2 9NL
Email: info@rds-yh.nihr.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 343 1234
Local Contacts
For direct contact with advisors in your area, please refer to our team page or use the contact form below to be connected with the most appropriate advisor.
Connect with Us
Follow us on Twitter: @RDS_YH
Join our professional network on LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for recorded webinars and tutorials
