About AWARD

What is AWARD?

AWARD is the All Wales Alliance for Research and Development in Health and Social Care, a multi-disciplinary network of academics working to improve health and social care provision through high-quality research.

What are AWARD's aims?

We aim to raise the profile of Welsh R&D in health and social care through attracting new research funds into Wales to undertake research and disseminate findings that will make a difference to practice and contribute to policy development

How does AWARD work?

AWARD works in five main ways:

• Developing and undertaking collaborative studies, where academics and partners bring ideas and research skills together to develop projects which will produce high quality findings, with lessons for elsewhere
• Providing methodological expertise to develop high quality, fundable research proposals
• Providing targeted post-graduate level training
• Working directly with the Welsh Assembly Government, by carrying out research to inform policy development
• Carrying out commissioned research for a fee

How is AWARD funded?

AWARD is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care (WORD).

Where is AWARD located?

The AWARD network spans three universities: Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea.

What sort of things does AWARD do?

Recent research projects have ranged from a study of the effects of government policies on carers, to an evaluation of the effectiveness of an innovative telephone-based health care advice service. We publish findings from our research in peer-reviewed journals which are influential and respected by academics and practitioners in Wales and internationally. We also work to raise awareness of our research and its findings among a wider audience.

What are AWARD's main areas of expertise?

Members of AWARD have expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative techniques, as well as randomised controlled trials. We also have a range of skills in evaluation within health and social care, health economics, literature reviews and other secondary research, and supervision and mentorship.

What sort of people/organisations does AWARD work with?

AWARD works with practitioners, managers and policy makers in the NHS, local government and the independent sector, health and social care user and carer groups, colleagues in our constituent universities and in other universities across the UK and internationally, and the Welsh Assembly Government. Additionally AWARD works closely with other Research Networks

Getting support for your study from AWARD

In order for us to work with you we will need to see that your study:

• Addresses the health and social care priorities of the Welsh Assembly Government
• Has been agreed by your health/social care agency, through research governance or other internal arrangements
• Will involve a range of people from the disciplines, professions and sectors that are relevant to the topic area
• Will build on the evidence base
• Has a good chance of attracting research funding
• Will result in publication

Please note we are unable to provide support to projects covered by existing supervision arrangements.

To contact AWARD

You can fill in our online application form on this website, or contact us for further details.