The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is the largest national clinical research funder in Europe with a budget of over £1 billion (approximately USD 1.3 billion) in 2015-16.

The NIHR was established in April 2006 as part of the UK government’s health research strategy 'Best Research for Best Health' and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. It has five objectives:

to fund high quality research to improve health

to train and support health researchers

to provide world-class research facilities

works with the life sciences industry and charities to benefit all

involves patients and the public at every step