The Health Foundation has developed this programme to work with UK research organisations to support the long-term development of improvement science.

We are committed to improving the quality of healthcare in the UK, but there is little evidence to demonstrate which improvement projects, methods or techniques generate the best results. Improvement science has an important part to play in this. Funding research organisations to support PhD students in studying improvement science will contribute to building a scientific evidence base to facilitate improvements across healthcare.

The PhD Awards for Improvement Science offer a new training opportunity for researchers to specialise in applied improvement science early on in their career. It will enable them to work with partners and collaborators in the health service, and ultimately contribute to the knowledge base of the science of improvement.

The Health Foundation will fund four research organisations to each support two PhD students. Organisations will receive up to £140,000 funding per student, giving them the opportunity to further develop their reputation in this emerging field.

The application period for the PhD Awards for Improvement Science will close at 12 midday on Wednesday 24 October 2012.

For more information on the programme and details of how to apply, including key dates, please visit the call page here: PhD Awards for Improvement Science