Health Data Research UK
Could Health Data Research UK fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £500 – £200,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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hdruk.ac.ukAbout Health Data Research UK
Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the national institute for health data science, established through a partnership of public funders and medical charities. Its mission centres on uniting the UK's health and care data to enable discoveries that improve people's lives, with a strong emphasis on trustworthy, ethical data use. The organisation values collaboration, transparency, privacy protection, and public benefit, and works to build capacity in health data science across the country. HDR UK is known for convening the health data community and building national infrastructure, supporting the next generation of data scientists through programmes such as internships for students from Black heritage backgrounds.
What Health Data Research UK funds
HDR UK funds activities that build capacity in health data science, with a focus on solving health data problems and developing quantitative, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling skills. The work supports the next generation of data scientists through internships that provide hands-on experience with host organisations across the UK. The programme is designed for students and those who have completed their studies, who have a passion for health data and a willingness to learn new skills within the field. Geographically, the work takes place across the whole of the UK, with host organisation partners based in various locations nationwide.
Who can apply
The internship programme is open to individuals who are current students at a UK university at any level, including undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, Master's, PhD, or returning students, as well as those who have completed a degree at a UK university. Applicants must be based in the UK for the duration of the recruitment process and the internship, and must have the Right to Work in the UK. The programme prioritises candidates from Black heritage backgrounds, reflecting HDR UK's commitment to increasing diversity in health data science. Applicants should demonstrate a passion for solving health data problems, sound quantitative skills, and an appreciation for HDR UK's mission.
What Health Data Research UK doesn't fund
HDR UK does not fund unsolicited proposals outside specific programmes, and it does not provide core unrestricted funding. For the internship programme, previous successful interns on the programme are not eligible to apply. Additionally, visa sponsorship is not offered, so all applicants must already have the Right to Work in the UK.
How they like to fund
HDR UK funds through specific, time-limited programmes rather than rolling or open-ended calls. The internship programme is delivered in partnership with a range of host organisations across the UK, providing structured placements for interns. The organisation works by invitation and through advertised programmes, and it does not accept unsolicited proposals outside these defined schemes.
How much does Health Data Research UK give?
Health Data Research UK runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 13 sourced facts
- Two-stage process
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Health Data Research UK funds — and what they won't
Passion for solving health data problems; sound quantitative skills; pattern recognition and predictive modelling skills; appreciation for HDR UK's mission; willingness to learn new skills within health data.
The full exclusions list (2)
- Not a previous successful intern of the programme
- Visas will not be provided to any candidate on the programme
Good to know
How to apply to Health Data Research UK
Health Data Research UK takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: two-stage process.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What Health Data Research UK's application asks
We hold the 2 questions from Health Data Research UK's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“Three personal-statement style questions on your experiences, skills and motivation”
“Your eligibility to work in the UK”
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Health Data Research UK could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Health Data Research UK provide?
Health Data Research UK typically provides grants of £500 - £200,000.
Where does Health Data Research UK fund charities?
Health Data Research UK funds charities operating in UK.
Does Health Data Research UK accept unsolicited applications?
Health Data Research UK accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Health Data Research UK not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Not a previous successful intern of the programme; Visas will not be provided to any candidate on the programme. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Health Data Research UK?
Health Data Research UK takes applications via online form. Published programme route: two-stage process.
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Could Health Data Research UK be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.