The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to try and improve health and wealth in the UK through research.

Professor David Abbott, Professor of Social Policy from the University of Bristol School of Policy Studies has been named as a Senior Investigator by the NIHR, meaning he will help guide research capacity development and enhance the career paths of NIHR researchers.

NIHR Senior Investigators are among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR and the most outstanding leaders of social care and health research within the NIHR.

Professor Abbott said: “I’m happy that this recognition shines a light on the talent and leadership in the social care research community, and look forward to supporting the NIHR Academy to nurture future generations of social care researchers.”

The NIHR Academy is responsible for the development and coordination of NIHR academic training, career development and research capacity development. The academy plays a pivotal role in attracting, training and supporting talented health and care researchers to tackle the complex challenges facing the sector.

The NIHR works in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public to fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing, and promotes economic growth.