A major new health research programme, led by researchers from The University of Manchester, has been announced today to tackle Greater Manchester’s biggest health challenges, as part of a £135m national investment.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is funding the establishment of 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England to develop innovative research projects that will directly improve patient care and treatment.
The NIHR ARC for Greater Manchester will become part of Health Innovation Manchester from 1 October 2019, bringing together researchers, health and care providers, patients and communities to deliver large programmes of research.
Professor Ben Bridgewater, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Our role is to conduct research that addresses the needs of Greater Manchester’s 2.8m citizens and accelerate implementation of the findings and proven innovations through our devolved health and care system. This has a direct impact on people’s health and wellbeing, transforms local services and supports the creation of jobs, growth and prosperity for all.
“The ARC’s research activity will be pivotal in finding new and better ways of preventing illness and delivering care, ensuring that Greater Manchester continues to be at the leading edge of health innovation, care and treatment.”
Over the next five years, the ARC will focus research on helping older people to stay healthy for longer, supporting people with mental health problems, making better use of technology, organising services to address local needs and ensuring services are sustainable. This will be underpinned by expertise in evaluation and implementation science.
