Since 2007, we have supported more than 100 students, clinicians and NMAHPs to develop the skills needed to undertake research in the field of ageing and long-term conditions.

Our significant, sustained NIHR funding has allowed us to develop of a custom approach to identifying and supporting researchers from across academic disciplines (biomedicine, medicine and allied health) and from undergraduate to senior levels. This Newcastle model of cross-professional integration of training support through a Clinical Academic Office was adopted by the NIHR Academy.

Our success is illustrated by the progression of our alumni – we have multiple instances of individuals undertaking PhDs before and moving on to obtain prestigious personal awards and fellowships. This has allowed us to build up a pipeline of individuals whose research is making a real difference to the lives of patients; the proportion of our alumni community who have chosen to stay in the field of ageing and long-term conditions (75%).

"The NIHR Newcastle BRC doctoral PhD gave me the opportunity to progress through to the NIHR ACL pathway, which resulted in me being awarded the prestigious NIHR Clinician Scientist fellowship. I have now been awarded a £1.4 m NIHR HTA grant." Dr James Frith