Our partnership
The NIHR Newcastle BRC is a partnership that brings together some of the world’s best researchers and clinicians from Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, Cumbria, Northumbria, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Trust, and Newcastle University.
This world-class environment was recognised in 2020 by the NIHR, NHS England and NHS Improvement award of Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) status to Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP). This is one of only eight Academic Health Science Centres (AHSC) in the UK.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Newcastle Hospitals is an ambitious and successful NHS Trust, providing high-quality clinical services to the local population, whilst delivering world-class innovation and research.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the second consecutive time in 2019, Newcastle Hospitals has a long history of providing high quality care, clinical excellence, and innovation in medical research regionally, nationally and internationally.
They are leaders in healthcare research and development across a wide range of specialisms delivering benefits not only for today’s patients but for generations to come. A lot of their work is underpinned by a world-class programme of research and innovation for which they have an enviable reputation.
Delivering successful clinical research activities is a key part of addressing health challenges and improving the wellbeing of our patients.
The Newcastle BRC is a great example of clinical research activity at its most efficient. In a region where health outcomes are disproportionately lower than the rest of the country, we truly value our BRC for its work in improving the health and wellbeing of people living with age-related and long-term conditions.
Dame Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW)
CNTW is one of the country’s leading mental health trusts. It has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2016 and 2018 by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
CNTW is a highly research-active partner, and hosts the NIHR Applied Research Centre (ARC) North East and North Cumbria.
We are delighted to have joined the NIHR Newcastle BRC as a formal partner for the first time. As an NHS Trust we recognise that research and innovation are critical to addressing the challenges that both our patients and the wider NHS face.
Our world leading research in Lewy Body Dementia and mood disorders already has a real impact on patient care, through the innovative clinical practice it brings locally and through the influence it has on national and international clinical guidelines.
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University
Newcastle University is a leading, research-intensive UK university – as well as a global leader in ageing research.
Research carried out as part of the NIHR Newcastle BRC fits perfectly with our focus on medical research and education that is designed to feed into and improve the healthcare system. This research is geared towards supporting the healthcare needs of an ageing population, particularly those living with long-term multiple conditions.
The Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University is proud to be part of the Newcastle BRC, and we have seen so many benefits from this translational focus.
Professor David Burn, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University
Medicine has been taught at Newcastle since 1834 and a lot of modern techniques and technologies were developed here. Newcastle University also boasts a well-established expertise around ageing research, having invested in studies, staff and infrastructure to advance work in this area.
Ageing research at Newcastle University
- 1960s: scientists at Newcastle University identify the major brain biochemical deficit which causes Alzheimer’s disease, making the institution a world leader in ageing research and age-related illness
- 1994: Institute for the Health of the Elderly established – the first multidisciplinary centre to recognise the complexity of ageing research and its importance as a societal challenge
- 2004: first purpose-built ageing research building was constructed: the Henry Wellcome Laboratory for Biogerontology Research
- 2005: the University partnered with Newcastle Hospitals to establish the Campus for Ageing and Vitality.
- 2007: first NIHR Newcastle BRC established.
- 2014: the University successfully bids to host National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), bringing together academics, the NHS, public and private sector.