Northern Powerhouse to lead UK health research with £55m funding boost

Healthcare research facilities across the North have received £55m in funding to grow their capabilities.

The five-year cash boost, delivered through the National Institute for Health Research, will see National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centres (NIHR BRC) in Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield receive millions in research funding.

The existing Newcastle BRC centre has been awarded £16.2m, while Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield have all been granted BRC status and awarded £28.5m, £6.7m and £4m respectively.

The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), which is headquartered in Manchester and coordinated the bids across the North, is confident the eight-figure investment will ensure the continuation of the UK’s status as a world leader in pioneering medical breakthroughs.

According to the NHSA, each £1 invested by the Department of Health sees hospitals and universities generate £6 from research funders, charities and industry partners.

The chair of the Northern Health Science Alliance, Prof. Ian Greer, said: “I welcome the award of four Biomedical Research Centres to the North as recognition of the world-class biomedical and health research we deliver for the UK.

“It is fantastic news for the North and demonstrates our research excellence, it also highlights the benefits of the work that the NHSA has done to raise awareness of our pioneering medical science.”

He continued: “These awards will bring further investment and benefit to the North’s 15m population with major health challenges.

“Such funding into the North of England will ensure that it achieves its full potential as a powerhouse of health science delivering benefits for our population.”

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester will use the £28.5m funding for work in areas such as advanced radiotherapy, cancer prevention and early detection, dermatology, and respiratory medicine.

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and NHS Trust, together with Newcastle University, will plough their £16.2m into research on dementia, musculoskeletal disease, liver disease and other illnesses.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals and NHS Trust and the University of Leeds, meanwhile, will use their £6.7m for improving treatment of osteoarthritis and preventing disease and disability in immune mediated inflammatory disease.

Lastly, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will and the University of Sheffield will spend the £4m looking at translational neuroscience for chronic neurological disorders.