As we mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February 2026), we are proud to spotlight the extraordinary women leading the charge in health and social care research across our region.
From tackling health inequalities in early childhood to revolutionising patient safety, women are at the heart of our mission to improve lives.
Meet the Trailblazers
Our regional research is guided by visionary female leaders who bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world care:
Opportunities for Growth
We aren’t just celebrating current leaders; we are building a pipeline for the future through these key initiatives:
- NIHR INSIGHT Masters Programme: Designed to inspire the “researchers of tomorrow”, this programme offers 30 fully-funded research master’s places annually for early-career professionals in health, social work, and public health. Applications for the next round open on 2nd March 2026.
- Health & Care Professional Internships: Led by Professor Sam Debbage, these funded internships provide nurses, midwives, and AHPs with protected time to develop research leadership across four distinct pathways, from “Stepping into Research” to “Leading Clinician Academic”.
- New Gender Requirements: As of late 2025, new NIHR funding requirements mandate that researchers account for sex and gender across the entire research lifecycle. This mandatory policy ensures that health data is representative and closes critical knowledge gaps in women’s health.
Upcoming Events
- 26th February 2026: INSIGHT Conference 2026 in Leeds – “Inspiring the Health and Care Researchers of Tomorrow.”
- 2nd March 2026: Application launch webinar for the INSIGHT Masters Programme.
Yorkshire and Humber ARC remains dedicated to fostering an environment where women in science can thrive, innovate, and lead the way towards a healthier, fairer future.