May 15th 2026
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has awarded more than £5.4 million to nine research projects exploring how digital technology could improve social care across the UK. The funding will support projects looking at artificial intelligence (AI), smart home technology, telecare, digital inclusion, and technology-enabled care.
The projects, funded through the NIHR’s Research Programme for Social Care, will run across England, Scotland and Wales over the next 18 months to two years. Researchers will explore how digital tools can support independence, improve wellbeing, strengthen decision-making, and help people stay connected and safe at home.
Practical uses of tech
Several of the projects focus on practical, real-world uses of technology already familiar to many people. This includes research into how devices such as smart speakers, video doorbells and low-cost smart home technology could help disabled adults and people living with dementia remain independent and socially connected. Other projects will examine how councils use technology to support people after hospital discharge and how care homes can build confidence and skills around digital tools.
Artificial intelligence is also a major focus. One project will develop an AI-powered tool designed to help social workers quickly find and use relevant evidence in practice. Another will explore how generative AI could support people with learning disabilities in daily life through accessible information and practical support.
Importantly, the programme is not only looking at innovation itself, but also the barriers that prevent technology from being adopted successfully in care settings. Researchers will investigate issues including digital skills, confidence, infrastructure, affordability, and inequalities in access to technology.
This reflects many of the conversations happening across adult social care right now. Care providers are increasingly being asked to navigate a fast-moving digital landscape, while balancing questions around safety, evidence, workforce pressures, interoperability, and inclusion.
Care providers should get inovlved
Katie Thorn, Director of Innovation at the Digital Care Hub, welcomed the funding and encouraged providers to engage with the projects. She said:
“It is really encouraging to see investment in research focused specifically on digital innovation in social care. Technology is developing incredibly quickly, but we need strong evidence, real-world insight and practical learning that reflects the realities of care settings and the experiences of people drawing on care.
“Researchers are keen to hear directly from care providers and frontline staff. Their experience, questions and expertise are essential to making sure these projects produce solutions that are practical, inclusive and genuinely useful. We would encourage providers to reach out to local projects and get involved where they can.”
The funding announcement also signals a wider shift in how social care technology is being viewed nationally. Increasingly, digital tools are being positioned not as optional extras, but as part of the infrastructure needed to support prevention, independence, community-based care, and closer working across health and social care systems.
Katie and Michelle also discuss the funding announcement and what it could mean for the sector in the latest episode of Ctrl+Care, available now on YouTube and Spotify.
Care providers interested in taking part in research or learning more about the projects can find full details on the NIHR website.
View all News