Funding to develop impactful research in musculoskeletal health and chiropractic care
Funded by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), these awards support research that advances evidence-based chiropractic care and improves musculoskeletal (MSK) health. Delivered through the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR), this is a competitive, pump-priming funding opportunity designed to support new ideas, develop collaborations and enable progression to larger research programmes.
Funding available
- Up to £13,500 per project
- Aiming to fund two projects in 2026
- Projects must start on 1 October 2026 and be completed within 9–12 months
Projects must be costed using full economic costing (fEC). The scheme will fund up to 80% of fEC for directly allocated staff and directly incurred costs, with funding for indirect and estates costs capped at 10% of the total award.
This means that most of the funding provided should support direct research activity. Institutions are expected to support the remaining costs in line with standard research funding practice.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking ambitious, well-designed research projects that can deliver meaningful outcomes within a short timeframe.
Projects should:
- Address an important question in chiropractic or MSK health and care
- Demonstrate robust and appropriate methodology
- Deliver clear, measurable outputs
- Include a realistic plan for impact and dissemination
We particularly welcome proposals that:
- Involve collaboration across institutions or disciplines
- Support early-career researchers
- Provide a clear pathway to further research development or external funding, where appropriate
Priority areas
Projects must align with one or more of the BCA’s priority themes:
- Safety and evidence-based practice
- Patient-centred chiropractic care
- Chiropractors’ professional identity
- Integration of chiropractic into the NHS
- Community-based musculoskeletal care
About the funder
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is the largest and longest-standing membership body for chiropractors in the UK, guiding its members at every stage of their careers with expert advice, industry insights, professional development, networking opportunities, advocacy and more.
The BCA is committed to supporting high-quality research that strengthens the evidence base for chiropractic care and contributes to improved patient outcomes. Through this partnership with the NCCR, the BCA is investing in research that delivers meaningful public benefit and supports the development of the chiropractic research community.
Who can apply
Applications must be led by a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) or a UK-based research organisation with the capacity to lead and manage research (for example, NHS organisations or recognised research institutes). If you are unsure about your organisation’s eligibility, please contact us in advance of submitting an application.
Applications must include at least one NCCR partner institution as either:
- Lead applicant, or
- Collaborator
- NCCR partner institutions include: Health Sciences University, London South Bank University, McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Teesside University and the University of South Wales.
Collaborators may also include:
- NHS organisations
- Private practice
- Charities
- International partners
Who cannot act as the lead applicant?
The following cannot act as the lead applicant, but may be involved as collaborators where appropriate:
- Individuals based in private practice, business, or industry (including sole traders)
- Doctoral students
- Organisations based outside the UK
What activities can be funded?
Funding can support a range of research activities, including:
- Data collection and analysis
- Pilot or feasibility studies
- Secondary data analysis
- Development of research methods or tools
- Patient and public involvement (PPI) activity
- Dissemination and impact activities
Funding is intended to support research delivery, not:
- PhD studentships
- Conference or travel-only funding
- General small grants or non-research activity
- The filing of intellectual property
Timeline
Call opens: 30 April 2026
Deadline: Midnight on 19 June 2026
Decisions: Late July 2026
Projects start: 1 October 2026
Project duration: 9–12 months
How applications are assessed
Applications are assessed through independent external peer review, followed by final funding decisions made by the NCCR Steering Group.
Proposals are assessed against the following criteria:
- Scientific quality and rigour (30%)
- Public benefit and impact potential (25%)
- Strategic alignment with BCA priorities (20%)
- Feasibility and value for money (15%)
- Contribution to research capacity building (10%)
We aim to provide brief feedback to all applicants based on reviewer comments.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted using the application form and should include a project proposal, budget and plans for impact and dissemination. Please refer to the guidance notes within the application form for further details.
Completed application forms must be submitted as a single PDF document to research@hsu.ac.uk by midnight on 19 June 2026.
Questions?
For further information, please contact: research@hsu.ac.uk.
