The National Institute for Health and Care Research has launched the first of a series of annual capital investment calls for NHS trusts in England.

Up to £30 million will be made available to pay for cutting-edge equipment, associated building refurbishment, and modular buildings to enhance NHS trusts’ ability to carry out innovative research.

All NHS trusts based in England are eligible to apply for between £50,000 and £1.5 million, with a minimum cost per item of £15,000. Funding can also be requested for building refurbishment to accommodate the equipment.

Areas of priority have been identified including reaching underserved communities and improving access to research; pharmacy, imaging and other clinical support services; improving capacity and capability for research in smaller NHS organisations in rural and coastal areas; and decentralised study delivery.

Funding will be awarded over a period of up to 30 months starting on 1 October 2024 and all funding awarded to successful applicants must be spent by 31 March 2027.

The equipment may be used for clinical practice, however it should be predominantly be used for research purposes; at least 50% in the first five years and at least 20% from year six.

Professor Marian Knight, scientific director for NIHR Infrastructure, said: “Cutting-edge equipment and facilities are essential to enable the highest quality research and care to benefit patients and the public. This funding will ensure that expert researchers based in NHS trusts in England are provided with the investment they need, to shape the future of health and care in this country.”