Impact

There are many steps in the development of a new treatment before it can be adopted into clinical practice; from basic science research often conducted in University departments looking for new targets and potential therapies through to clinical trials assessing their safety and efficacy. Biomedical Research Centres help to bridge the gap in translating new discoveries into new treatments, diagnostics and medical technologies.

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing, and promotes economic growth.

NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies. The NIHR has awarded nearly £800 million to 20 Biomedical Research Centres (2022-27) across England, to translate scientific discoveries into new treatments, diagnostic tests and medical technologies to improve patient lives.

The National Institute for Health Research began a network of Biomedical Research Centres in 2007 by funding University-Hospital partnerships to pull through scientific discoveries into real benefits for patients.

There are now 21 Biomedical Research Centres around the UK: