This call, issued in 2011, followed research commissioned by the NIHR into influenza during the 2009 pandemic (Lancet). The urgency and timescales in 2009 were challenging, but important research was completed and published in the Health Technology Assessment journal. We wished to fund a further portfolio of research projects in this health topic before another pandemic occurred. This call is now closed.
A meeting was held in June 2011 to assess the expressions of interest in the themed call, and successful applicants were invited to submit a full proposal. These were peer-reviewed, then assessed at a Board meeting in October 2011.
Note: research itself will not normally start unless, or until, a pandemic occurs and affects the UK. Projects will receive minimum maintenance funding until that time. The NIHR decides when research should begin in discussion with funded researchers. Only after this will full-scale funding be made available.