It is vital that research protocols developed for submission for external funding are properly costed. This means that account must be taken not only of costs that will be requested from the funding body to undertake the research project, but also the costs that will be incurred by the NHS for service support and treatment elements of the research activity.  It is important that early contact is made with people who can help with this process – University Research Offices, NIHR Comprehensive Local Research Networks (CLRN) and host NHS Trust R&D Departments. Topic Specific and Primary Care Network offices can also provide useful support and advice.

There are three main elements of research costs in the NHS:

• Research Costs will be met by the research funder(s) and comprise:
• Directly Incurred Costs
• Directly Allocated Costs
• Indirect Costs
• Service Support Costs will be met by the NHS through the CLRNs
• Treatment Costs will normally be met through commissioning arrangements for patient care.

Precise categories of eligible costs will vary across different funding bodies and it is important that careful note is taken of guidance provided for applicants for the particular funding stream chosen.  Allocation of costs will also depend on the nature and purpose of the research activity. 

You can view the associated pages or print off the document in full. The document contains links to additional sources of guidance and examples from real local projects.

Presentation on Funding Treatment Costs Associated with Research by Trudi Simmons