February 2013
Identity guidelines and research outputs management for principal investigators
Invention for Innovation (i4i)
Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR)
Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB)
All research outputs 1 arising from Department of Health (DH) funding via the National Institute for
Health Research (NIHR) should be notified and publicised in accordance with (a) the relevant terms of
the NIHR contract, (b) the NIHR Identity Guidelines 2.0 and (c) the DH/NIHR policy on open access
and Europe PubMed Central (Europe PMC). This guidance document supplements these sources of
information for researchers funded under the above programmes through the NIHR Central
Commissioning Facility (CCF) when considering publication of their research outputs.
In summary, researchers should:
•
•
•
•
•
make budgetary allowances for envisaged open access publications at the time of application
always acknowledge NIHR funding and include a disclaimer when findings are reported
review preferred journal’s open access policy prior to selecting it for publicising NIHR-funded
research findings (free full text should become available within six months)
notify CCF a minimum of 28 days prior to publication (14 days for press releases)
register with Europe PMC plus in readiness to link the relevant output to the respective grant for
easy identification.
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1
Introduction
Notification of outputs
Identity guidelines
Acknowledging NIHR and funding statement
Disclaimer
Using the NIHR logotype
Publication and publicity
Use of research findings by the NIHR
Open access policy
ANNEX A
Press releases and Note to Editors
ANNEX B
Protocol (contacting ministers/DH)
ANNEX C
Social media and Digital Engagement
ANNEX D
Libel, defamation, copyright and data protection
ANNEX E
Europe PubMed Central
ANNEX F
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
page 2
page 2
page 2
page 2
page 3
page 3
page 5
page 6
page 6
page 7
page 9
page 9
page 10
page 11
page 13
Research outputs
NIHR researchers funded under an NIHR programme should provide advance notice of all types of research outputs, whether interim or final,
online or in print. Please note that there is no time limit to this provision – investigators are still obliged to provide notice of any research
outputs even after their funding period has ended. Examples of research communications arising from NIHR-funded research include: peerreviewed papers and publications; all other printed articles, opinion pieces and publications; news releases and media interviews; online
news items and websites; abstracts, posters, presentations and papers for conferences, workshops and other meetings; research reports;
dissemination events and meetings (N.B. meetings to share best practice, training events and events to disseminate research findings must
be run at the lowest possible cost with minimal catering; ‘conferences’ which are described as such will not be sanctioned by the Department
of Health as a legitimate use of NIHR funding).
1
1. Introduction
Researchers funded through our research programmes are representative of the substantial
investment by the NIHR in health, public health and social care research, and are ideally placed
throughout the health research community to make a major contribution to making the NIHR more
visible to the NHS, academic leaders, patients, the public, and the life sciences industry. This should
be achieved by both promoting the NIHR as a whole as well as its funded components. NIHR-funded
researchers help to build brand awareness by:
•
•
•
•
applying the NIHR visual identity
using appropriate standard acknowledgements and Notes to Editors (see Annex A)
flagging good news stories on health research, clinical breakthroughs, devices and benefits for
patients
showcasing research delivered through the NIHR, which has the potential to improve treatments
and interventions and raise the quality of patient care.
2. Notification of outputs
Your notification route for news announcements and findings from the above programmes is via the
CCF. Your patient information and recruitment material must also acknowledge the NIHR although
there is no need to notify CCF of these (if you need advice on NIHR acknowledgement in your patient
material please contact comms@nihr-ccf.org.uk).
3. Identity guidelines
The identity of the NIHR is part of the NHS brand. The Identity Guidelines 2.0, revised in 2012, provide
advice on the practical application of the NIHR identity as part of the NHS brand.
The guidelines are available on the:
•
•
NIHR website at www.nihr.ac.uk/publications/Pages/default.aspx
NIHR Portal at https://portal.nihr.ac.uk/welcome/Identity/Pages/IdentityHome.aspx
We have reproduced the text on Additional information for researchers from the Identity Guidelines in
this document together with guidance on press releases. Correct application is important to the NIHR
and the NHS so please ensure you comply with the guidance when planning to announce and/or
promote NIHR-funded research or findings.
4. Acknowledging NIHR and funding statement
Principal investigators/lead researchers must acknowledge awards made by the NIHR. This applies to
project and programme grants. In any written material such as a project website, patient material,
pages on a host organisation’s website, posters and presentations, papers and reports, and media
releases, the author should acknowledge the support of the NIHR, providing specific details of the
research programme funding (see also Section 5 on when to use a disclaimer and Section 6 on when
and how to apply the NIHR logotype). Note that NIHR needs to be given in full at first mention.
Example NIHR acknowledgement/funding statement:
The [name of project] is funded by the National Institute for Health Research’s [name of
research programme] Programme
A relationship statement can also be used to show where the research is being funded (i.e. the host
institution and any collaborative partners if applicable). For example:
2
The National Institute for Health Research funds the [name of research programme] [title of]
project/programme grant at the University of Manchester and Central Manchester University
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Studies supported by the Clinical Research Network should be encouraged to acknowledge the
support provided by the relevant network. When publishing papers, articles and reports, authors must
acknowledge all types of NIHR funding (carrying a disclaimer if findings are reported), including
support and affiliations such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
research programme funding
whole or part funding by research centres or units
use of clinical research facilities, centres or units
fellowship awards / professional training awards
Senior Investigator awards
Research Professorship awards.
5. Disclaimer
When findings are announced a disclaimer must be used in addition to an acknowledgement/funding
statement (see Section 4). Two examples are given below. Note that the grant reference number
should also be included.
This is a summary of independent research funded by the National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR)’s [name of research programme] Programme (Grant Reference Number xx-xxxxxx-xxxx). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the
NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.
or
This paper/poster/abstract/news release/presentation* summarises independent research
funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its [name of research
programme] Programme (Grant Reference Number xx-xx-xxxx-xxxx). The views expressed are
those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of
Health.
*delete as appropriate
6. Using the NIHR logotype
Research reports
The NIHR logotype must never be used on research reports (e.g. a refereed paper). The independent
nature of the research and its intellectual property provenance should be emphasised by using the
NIHR disclaimer (see Section 5).
Promotional materials
The NIHR logotype can be used by funded researchers when possible on promotional materials, but
never positioned in the top right-hand corner, which implies ownership or endorsement by the NIHR.
Ideally, the NIHR logotype should be placed bottom right or in another appropriate position, ensuring
that it complies with the conditions of use, including size and keeping the ‘exclusion zone’ clear (see
Annex F), together with an appropriate funding statement.
Example:
The [name] project is funded by the
Research for Patient Benefit Programme
3
Use with NHS logo
Please note that NHS branding policy does not allow for two NHS logos to be used on the same page.
If you use an NHS organisation logo, you cannot use the NIHR logotype but you should use a funding
statement (see Section 4) or disclaimer, as appropriate (see Section 5). Alternatively, you may name
the NHS organisation in writing and use the NIHR logotype placed appropriately.
Patient materials
Patient materials about NIHR-funded research, including patient information sheets, and recruitment
leaflets and posters, should include the NIHR logotype whenever possible, accompanied by a funding
statement. The NIHR logotype may be positioned bottom right on the front cover, on the inside cover
or on the back page, accompanied by a funding statement such as:
The [name of project] is funded by the National Institute for Health Research’s [name of
research programme] Programme
If an NHS Trust logo is to be used, the NIHR logotype must not be included on the same page. The
CCF Research Communications Team (comms@nihr-ccf.org.uk) can provide relevant advice.
Although patient recruitment materials do not require approval by your Programme Manager, it is
expected that they will carry an acknowledgement of NIHR funding.
Project logos
Funded research projects can develop a study name and create a logo only if it is agreed to be of
benefit to promoting and recruiting patients into the research study. Logos must be submitted for
consideration to the CCF Research Communications Team (comms@nihr-ccf.org.uk).
Research posters
Research posters are an effective and important way to showcase research findings at workshops and
conferences. Research posters must include a funding acknowledgement and disclaimer statement
(see Section 5) and can include the NIHR logotype, not in the top right-hand corner but positioned
bottom right or in another suitable position depending on the design.
As discussed under Use with NHS logo (see above), if another NHS organisation logo is being
employed, only the statement to acknowledge the NIHR research programme funding, together with a
disclaimer, should be used.
Presentations
Researchers can include the NIHR logotype on presentations about NIHR-funded research projects
or awards, but not in the top right-hand corner. The NIHR logotype can be positioned bottom right,
accompanied by a funding acknowledgement (see Section 4) or disclaimer if findings are presented
(see Section 5).
However, as there can only be one NHS logo on a slide, there are two options for accommodating an
NHS organisation logo:
•
use the NIHR logotype positioned bottom right on the opening slide, with a relationship statement
giving details of the NIHR funding and award, and use the NHS organisation logo on all the other
slides
•
use the NHS organisation logo on all the slides, but add a funding statement giving details of the
NIHR funding or award on the opening slide (see Sections 4 and 5).
4
Websites
All references to NIHR-funded research placed on websites and intranet sites must acknowledge the
NIHR funding (see Section 4) and, where practical, should include a link to the NIHR website
(www.nihr.ac.uk).
Stationery
Funded projects should use their host organisation stationery and should not create their own
stationery. However, a statement acknowledging that the research study is funded by the NIHR should
be included when writing letters about projects, especially to patients (see Patient Materials).
7. Publication and publicity
Principal investigators/lead researchers should refer to their funding contract to ensure that they
comply with the terms and conditions. NIHR-funded research findings should be published in an
appropriate form, usually as a paper in a refereed journal, complying with the NIHR open access
policy. Reports of research findings (i.e. in refereed journals), whether interim or final, must never
carry the NIHR logotype. All findings must carry the NIHR disclaimer (see Section 5).
The CCF must be informed of the intention to submit a paper or article for publication (via your
Programme Manager) or a news release (via the CCF Research Communications Team). This will
enable the NIHR and DH to prepare for any media interest and will also help to publicise your
research.
Please ensure that you follow the advice provided on: publishing research findings (see below); press
releases (Annex A); protocol on approaching DH through CCF (Annex B); social media and digital
engagement (Annex C); and libel, defamation, copyright and data protection (Annex D).
Research publications
Please note that although DH funds the NIHR, it should not be named as the funder. The NIHR
must always be accredited as the funder.
When submitting a paper, article or report for publication it is essential that the NIHR is acknowledged
appropriately to maximise awareness of the impact of the research funded by the NIHR, nationally and
internationally. So, before submission, please ensure that:
•
•
the NIHR’s contribution is acknowledged in full (see Section 4 and Section 5)
a copy of the paper/article is sent to your Programme Manager at CCF 28 days before it is due to
be published.
NIHR-funded researchers are strongly encouraged to publish their findings in open access journals
(www.doaj.org/) so that NIHR funded project outputs are readily available to the research community
(see Section 9). In line with this, a copy of the final manuscript of any research papers supported in
whole or in part by the NIHR should be deposited with Europe PMC 2 upon acceptance for publication
2
In November 2012, UK PubMed Central (UKPMC) broadened its scope to become Europe PMC whilst continuing to provide a free online
resource offering access to a wealth of information to biomedical and health researchers, including:
• abstracts of over 25 million articles and full text of over 2 million articles from PubMed and PubMed Central
• an intuitive interface with innovative text mining features enabling the linking of scientific terms to other sources of quality assured
information
• useful content not included in traditional journal literature, such as biological patents, clinical guidelines, research reports and PhD
theses.
5
(see Annex E), to be made freely available as soon as possible and in any event within six months of
the journal publisher’s official date of final publication.
The principal award holder also submits an end-of-project report within 14 days of the end of the
study, in accordance with the research contract.
8. Use of research findings by the NIHR
The NIHR and DH reserve the right to use data or other material from projects that it funds for policy
development and publicity activities. The NIHR and DH may publicise the outcome of NIHR-funded
research studies online, in publications and in press releases where appropriate.
The CCF provides access to details of NIHR funding awards made under i4i, RfPB and PGfAR from
the following web page www.ccf.nihr.ac.uk/Pages/FundedProgrammes.aspx, as well as through
Europe PMC (see Section 9).
9. Open access policy
DH relies on all principal investigators following the NIHR policy on open access and, more
specifically, it is envisaged that the full text of publications reporting research findings will become
available on Europe PMC (see Annex E) within six months of publication:
•
•
to maximise timely use of the data by other researchers
to help accelerate translation of the research findings into benefits for NHS patients and the public,
where possible, in a timely manner and without incurring any additional cost.
In this light, prior to publishing the findings from NIHR-funded studies, principal investigators are
strongly encouraged to ensure that the preferred journal’s open access policy allows for full text open
access publication on Europe PMC after a maximum of six months from initial publication.
There is currently a directory of open access journals to facilitate the initiation of your search for a
suitable journal (www.doaj.org/). In the event that your preferred journal does not feature on this list,
please ensure you communicate the NIHR open access policy (Annex E) to the editors prior to
proceeding with your publication. Please note that allowances should be made in the research
application budget for the purpose of supporting open access publications.
Details of all NIHR projects and programmes are submitted to Europe PMC by CCF on a quarterly
basis: europepmc.org/GrantLookup/.
Once you become aware that one of your publications arising from a NIHR-funded study has
appeared on PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed), even in abstract form initially, you are
requested to log onto Europe PMC plus (plus.europepmc.org) and link it to the relevant grant.
Further details on obtaining Europe PMC plus log in details and linking your publications to your NIHR
grants can be accessed at: europepmc.org.
6
Annex A
Press releases and Note to Editors
DH welcomes a proactive approach in maximising awareness of the impact of research funded or
supported by the NIHR, both nationally and internationally. To do this it is important that the NIHR
receives appropriate recognition as the funder or supporter. This guidance provides advice on issuing
press releases related to NIHR-funded research and should be shared with your press office and
research support team.
Who can help?
The CCF Research Communications Team is your point of contact (see overleaf). They will give you
help and advice to ensure your contractual obligations are met.
How much notice is required?
Twenty-eight days notice of the intention to issue a press release must be given to the CCF before
publication. The CCF should be sent a draft press release 14 days ahead of distribution (with a copy
of the research paper if applicable).
How do I acknowledge the NIHR?
Acknowledgement of the NIHR as the funder of the research should be clear and prominent in the
release, ideally in the first or second paragraph. The first time the NIHR is referred to should be in full
followed by the abbreviation in brackets (see also Section 4). For example:
•
The study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for
Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme.
•
The research was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical
Research Centre (NIHR Oxford BRC).
•
The study team acknowledges the study delivery support given by the Medicines for Children
Clinical Research Network (CRN).
The press release should also carry the following NIHR Note to Editors.
Note to Editors
About the NIHR
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funded by the Department of Health to improve
the health and wealth of the nation through research. Since its establishment in April 2006, the NIHR
has transformed research in the NHS. It has increased the volume of applied health research for the
benefit of patients and the public, driven faster translation of basic science discoveries into tangible
benefits for patients and the economy, and developed and supported the people who conduct and
contribute to applied health research. The NIHR plays a key role in the Government’s strategy for
economic growth, attracting investment by the life-sciences industries through its world-class
infrastructure for health research. Together, the NIHR people, programmes, centres of excellence, and
systems represent the most integrated health research system in the world. For further information,
visit the NIHR website (www.nihr.ac.uk).
Press releases issued by publishers of research/funders of research
Researchers must also check that the NIHR is receiving due acknowledgement in press releases
issued by other funders and/or publishers of research announcing NIHR-funded findings. Reference to
the support provided by the NIHR should be included in the body of the press release and the NIHR
Note to Editors (see above) attached at the end.
Advise your publisher/funding collaborators that CCF should be given 28 days notice when a press
release referring to NIHR-funded research is to be issued so that DH can be briefed regarding the
7
potential for externally generated media interest. A copy of the press release should be sent to the
CCF Research Communications Team 14 days before the intended time/date of issue (any embargo
will be respected; we are previewing the release to check for accuracy in references to the NIHR
before publication by a third party). In cases of press releases being issued for research supported
both by the NIHR and another/other external funder(s), CCF/DH will work together with your institution
and the external funder to finalise the press release.
Can I include a DH quote?
Depending on the significance of the research findings and/or announcement, it might be appropriate
to include a quote from the Secretary of State for Health, another DH Minister and/or the Chief Medical
Officer. A suggested quote should be drafted at source and sent to the CCF communications team, for
clearance with the press release. CCF will liaise with DH to confirm quotes.
How do I get my press release posted on the NIHR website?
When finalised and released, please send link to Research Communications at CCF for posting on the
NIHR news and twitter feeds.
When might DH choose to issue a release about my research?
There are occasions when a press release is (also) generated by the DH about research funded under
an NIHR research programme. This is most likely to happen when the research is significant and a DH
Minister wants to welcome the research and comment on the findings. This will involve the CCF
Research Communications Team and the joint institutions working together on a single release, or on
two separate ones released in sync.
Can I use the NIHR logotype?
The NIHR logotype should not be used on press releases. Your press release should carry the logo of
the host institution issuing the release.
Do news releases need the NIHR disclaimer?
Yes, when announcing research findings (see Section 5).
N.B. The disclaimer should not be used when announcing the NIHR funding award at the outset of
your research.
DH Media Centre
The CCF will pass your press release to the DH R&D Information and Engagement team who will
liaise with the DH Media Centre and you are requested not to contact DH directly.
Who is my first point of contact?
For advice and to submit a draft press release for approval, you should contact:
The CCF Research Communications Team
Email: comms@nihr-ccf.org.uk
Tel:
020 8843 8072
8
Annex B
Protocol (contacting ministers/DH 3)
Researchers are asked to direct any approaches to DH officials and government ministers, including
the Prime Minister, relating to NIHR funding received under PGfAR, RfPB or i4i programmes through
the CCF Research Communications Team. We can validate your request and work with DH to
consider and fast track it, as appropriate.
Whilst DH Ministers and policy officials are keen to engage with NIHR researchers, it is important to
adopt a ‘no surprises’ and consistent approach. This applies to all invitations, including those for:
quotes; speaking engagements; visits; opening new facilities; videos; web chats; twitter debates;
podcasts. Each request will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and any necessary changes and/or
suggested amendments from DH will be mediated via CCF.
Annex C
Social media and Digital Engagement 4
The NIHR has a Digital Engagement (DE) Framework incorporating advice on setting up and using
social media channels and the benefits and risks to be considered. The NIHR has a range of
corporate channels you can link to from your channels, including:
•
•
•
an external website (www.nihr.ac.uk) – plus a range of other work-stream-specific NIHR sites
a YouTube channel for video content (www.youtube.com/NIHRtv)
a Twitter account (OfficialNIHR).
The DE Framework should be referred to whenever social media are being considered as part of the
communications planning. Information and content published on social media channels is subject to
the same restrictions and legal requirements as information published in any other online media. Data
protection, freedom of information, copyright, intellectual property and privacy requirements all apply.
Coordinating centres, initiatives and individuals working under the NIHR umbrella should remember
that use of social media results in comments being permanently available and open to being
republished in other media. Information about the NIHR, or commitments to engage in activities on
behalf of the NIHR, must not be made unless you are authorised to do so. This authority may already
be delegated. If not, authority should be sought.
3
4
Extract from page 70 of Identity Guidelines 2.0
Extract from page 71 of Identity Guidelines 2.0
9
Annex D
Libel, defamation, copyright and data protection 5
NIHR-funded individuals have a duty to ensure that what they publish does not cause embarrassment
or damage the good scientific reputation of the NIHR/DH, or the standing of participants in the
research. It is in researchers’ interests to present their work in an objective and appropriate way.
Recipients of NIHR funding including Faculty members and people who work for the NIHR, in any
capacity, must not include any defamatory content or statements whatsoever relating to an individual,
organisation, corporation, company or any other public or private body. The NIHR will not tolerate
abusive, offensive, threatening or unlawful content of any kind in publications arising from research
where the NIHR has provided whole or part funding. Published material must not include information
that could be used to specifically identify an individual or an organisation of any kind who has
participated, or is participating in the research, unless their consent has been obtained and recorded.
In addition to data protection issues, such disclosure may cause that individual or organisation harm,
loss or embarrassment. DH reserves the right to remove any such identifying information.
Published material should not include any classified information, or advertise products, services or
events that are not NIHR-related, and which have not received appropriate Director level approval
prior to publication. Individuals must always remain within the legal framework and be aware that libel,
defamation, copyright and data protection laws apply.
5
Extract from page 72 of Identity Guidelines 2.0
10
Annex E
Europe PubMed Central
In association with the other main UK biomedical research funders, DH and NIHR are partners in
Europe PubMed Central (Europe PMC). Launched in January 2007 (originally as UKPMC), Europe
PMC provides a permanent and free-to-access online digital archive of the full text, peer reviewed
research publications (and datasets) that arise from research funded by DH, the NIHR and the other
members of the Europe PMC Funders Group.
Europe PMC comprises three key systems:
•
•
•
a mirror of the data held in PubMed Central (PMC), subject to permission from those publishers
that participate in PMC
an author manuscript submission and tracking system, with supporting document conversion
services
a system to provide authenticated login services to the submission system.
In common with the other members of the Europe PMC Funders Group, DH takes the following
approach to open access to research it funds through the NIHR 6. This approach is consistent with the
long-standing policy set out in the Research Governance Framework, Section 2.4 – Information.
All the members of the Funders Group seek to encourage initiatives that increase the potential for
quality research to be widely disseminated and freely accessed.
DH and the NIHR support the principles that:
•
•
•
•
ideas and knowledge derived from publicly funded research must be made available and
accessible for public use, interrogation and scrutiny as widely, rapidly and effectively as possible
published research outputs must be subject to rigorous quality assurance through effective peer
review mechanisms
the models and mechanisms for publication and access to research results must be both efficient
and cost effective in the use of public funds
the outputs from current and future research should be preserved and remain accessible for future
generations.
The following approach is consistent with the requirements adopted by other members of the Europe
PMC Funders Group.
1. DH and the NIHR require that, for applications submitted from 1 April 2007, electronic copies of
any research papers that have been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal which are
supported in whole or in part by DH or NIHR funding, are deposited at the earliest opportunity -and
in any case within six months- in Europe PMC.
2. Deposition of a research paper into Europe PMC does not prevent authors from also depositing a
copy in their own institutional or another subject-based repository should they choose to do so or
be required to do so by their employing institution.
6
Further background for NIHR-funded researchers is given on the NIHR website at:
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/research/Pages/default.aspx
The NIHR open access policy statement as reproduced above is taken from the NIHR website at:
http://www.nihr.ac.uk/research/Pages/Research_Open_Access_Policy_Statement.aspx
11
3. DH and the NIHR also strongly encourage, but do not formally oblige, all award recipients to
deposit articles arising from awards funded as a result of applications submitted before 1 April
2007.
4. DH and the NIHR strongly encourage authors to publish in journals that allow them (or their
institutions) to retain ownership of the copyright.
5. If author/institution-ownership of copyright is not permitted by the publisher, authors should publish
in journals that permit deposition of the published paper in Europe PMC within six months of
publication.
6. DH and the NIHR will work with publishers to put in place mechanisms for publishers to deposit
publications directly, on behalf of authors, where this is possible.
7. The DH and the NIHR’s terms and conditions are consistent with this approach and do not require
amendment. The relevant section of the DH contract is Section 16 – Publication, and in particular
paragraph 16.2.
Exemptions
8. When a researcher informs DH or the NIHR of the wish to publish a paper in a journal that is
unwilling to agree either to author/institution-ownership of copyright, or to deposition in Europe
PMC within six months, DH or NIHR may grant permission for the author to submit the paper for
publication in such a journal.
Benefits to authors of open access
9. Authors will benefit in two ways. Firstly, their research papers will be given a much wider form of
dissemination and will be able to be read without restriction by anyone with internet access.
Secondly, as researchers they will increasingly be able to search the full text of all the research
published in their area, not just the research available to them via the subscriptions their institution
offers.
Open access publishing costs
10. For any research supported by DH or NIHR funds, DH and the NIHR expects all research costs
(including publishing costs) to be budgeted for when the research is commissioned. Therefore, DH
or NIHR will not routinely fund additional publishing costs separately. However, if a researcher can
demonstrate that the whole of the DH or NIHR award has been used for the purposes of the
intended research and that the budget was correctly managed, the DH or NIHR may consider
additional support on a limited ad hoc basis. If you require further assistance to meet the cost of
publishing your research, please in the first instance, contact the primary funder of your research. If
this is the NIHR or DH, please send your request to enquiries@nihr.ac.uk, stating:
a) the cost of any processing charge
b) what the charge covers (i.e. open access deposition, additional publication costs or other)
c) details of the original award received for this research, including:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
when it was awarded
the name of the project
the name of the programme awarding the grant
the grant reference no (if known)
d) confirmation of whether this is the original paper or a subsequent follow-up
e) the reasons why these costs were not budgeted for when the research was commissioned, in
line with DH and NIHR policy.
12
Annex F
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
N.B. References are also given where relevant to Identity Guidelines 2.07.
About the logo
Where should the NIHR logotype appear?
The NIHR logotype is positioned in the top right corner of the page in all communications ‘owned’ or
endorsed by the NIHR. NIHR-funded researchers should refer to Section 6 for permitted use of the
logo (never top right). The preferred position in these applications is bottom right.
What is the exclusion zone?
The ‘exclusion zone’ is the area around the logo that should always be kept clear (equal to the height
of the NHS lozenge element of the NIHR logotype). No other graphic or typography should appear
within it (see page 10 of Identity Guidelines 2.0).
When multiple logos are to be used, should the logos be of equal size?
Yes. When working in partnership and/or the logos of funded institutions are included, the NIHR
logotype should be in equal proportion (see page 13 of Identity Guidelines 2.0). See note below on
use with other NHS logos.
Are there any special rules if the NIHR is working with another NHS partner?
NHS branding policy states that the NHS national lozenge may appear only once on a single page so
either the NIHR logo or the NHS organisation logo with an NIHR funding statement should be used in
these instances (see page 14 of Identity Guidelines 2.0).
How big should the logotype be?
Standard size formats exist for logotype and the NIHR logotype should never be used smaller than the
size used on business cards (see page 11 of Identity Guidelines 2.0).
Note that ‘X’ denotes the height of the NHS lozenge in the NIHR logotype.
A4: X = 8.5mm
A3: X = 12.5mm
A5 and DL: X = 6mm
(Size NIHR uses on business cards: X = 4.25mm)
Are there any instances when the logotype shouldn’t be used?
Communications reporting research findings should not include the NIHR logotype in the top right
corner (see page 10 of Identity Guidelines 2.0) and should include a disclaimer. The logotype should
not be used in journal articles. An acknowledgement statement and disclaimer should be used instead
(see Sections 4 and 5).
Can a project create its own logo?
Funded research projects can develop a study name and create a logo, if it is agreed to be of benefit
to promoting and recruiting patients into the research study. Logos must be approved by the CCF via
the CCF Research Communications Team.
7
Identity Guidelines 2.0 are available on the:
- NIHR website at www.nihr.ac.uk/publications/Pages/default.aspx
- NIHR Portal at https://portal.nihr.ac.uk/welcome/Identity/Pages/IdentityHome.aspx
13
About abbreviations
When can I use the NIHR abbreviation?
Once the name has been written in full and followed by the acronym or abbreviation in brackets (see
page 23 of Identity Guidelines 2.0), it can be abbreviated afterwards e.g. National Institute for Health
Research Central Commissioning Facility (NIHR CCF).
What about other abbreviations?
The same rule applies; spell the term out in full with the abbreviation in brackets and then it can be
subsequently abbreviated e.g. Regional Design Service (RDS).
Do I have to spell out National Health Service the first time I use it?
No, universally accepted abbreviations such as NHS and A&E do not have to be written in full first.
Is it NIHR or N.I.H.R.?
Do not put full stops in acronyms or abbreviations, e.g. NIHR not N.I.H.R.
About NIHR style
The NIHR identity is based on the NHS identity. Section 4 Language, format and punctuation and style
guide (page 62 of Identity Guidelines 2.0) covers NIHR style preferences. For example:
•
•
•
do not put full stops after a contraction of a person’s title, e.g. Dr Keith Ridge, not Dr. Keith Ridge
use only one space after a full stop
always insert one space after a comma (except when writing out numbers e.g. 12,500).
What else about numbers?
Numbers from one to nine should be written in full. Numbers from 10 upwards should be written in
numerals. The exception to this is when using a mixture of numbers lower and higher than 10, each
number should be written as a figure, e.g. between 8 and 11 people were involved in the incident.
Can I start a sentence with a numeral?
Any number at the start of a sentence should be written in full, e.g. Two thousand were recruited.
What about date formats?
1. When using a date format structured as, for example, 5 March 2012, do not use th, st, rd or nd.
2. Use ‘from’ and ‘to’ or ‘between’ to describe date ranges, e.g. from July to November 2011 or
between 2008 and 2009.
3. When dates are specific, such as 24-26 August, use short hyphen and no gaps.
4. When using a date format structured as, e.g., 16/09/2010, obliques should be used (not hyphens).
Is there a standard typeface that should be used?
Frutiger is the standard NHS typeface. If you can’t use Frutiger, use Arial, the NHS default typeface.
14