ARU part of £1.4m drive to boost healthcare in East
Researchers at School of Medicine will push to bring faster, better treatments
Anglia Ruskin University’s School of Medicine in Chelmsford
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University’s School of Medicine will help transform the region’s health thanks to significant funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Nearly £10 million is being invested by MRC in clinical research careers across the UK, with £1.4 million flowing directly into the Eastern region.
The initiative will bring together top universities, NHS trusts and cutting edge science institutes in a push to bring faster, better treatments to patients.
It will see a powerful new regional partnership uniting ARU with the University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia, the Quadram Institute and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, alongside NHS and care organisations.
The scheme is designed to reflect the unique needs of each region and the East of England will benefit from a tailored approach. From rural healthcare challenges to areas of deprivation, local research leads will be able to channel funding where it is needed most.
“Anglia Ruskin University is delighted to be a partner in this initiative, which prioritises researchers working in areas that have historically received less research investment across the East of England.
“By strengthening research capacity in underserved communities, we aim to improve access to high-quality clinical research, recognising that research-active healthcare organisations consistently achieve better patient outcomes. Through advancing research equity, this programme has the potential to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of populations across the region.”
Dr Jo-Anne Johnson, Head of Undergraduate Medicine at ARU’s School of MedicineThe Eastern programme is part of a wider UK scheme supporting almost 200 frontline clinicians, including doctors, nurses and therapists, to carry out vital research alongside their day jobs.
The initiative will establish 10 Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers (RACR), bringing together more than 50 research organisations and over 60 NHS organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, therapists and pharmacists play a central role in caring for patients and identifying key challenges faced by health services.
Clinical researchers bridge the gap between scientific discovery and better patient care. Their research prevents illness and develops new treatments connecting academia, the NHS and industry.
The four-year pilot will test new ways of supporting clinicians to carry out research alongside their clinical practice, with the goal of building a stronger, more resilient research workforce.
It will help protect research time and nurture the next generation of experts with mentoring and training. The programme will also support clinicians returning to research after time away.
“Clinicians play a vital role in turning discovery research into better treatments for patients, but too many face barriers to sustaining research alongside demanding clinical roles.
“These challenges vary across the UK, which is why a regional approach is so important to building strong partnerships between universities and NHS trusts.
“Through Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers, we are investing in locally led solutions that support clinicians at critical points in their careers, strengthen research environments, and help improve patient outcomes while accelerating life sciences innovation to support economic growth and a stronger NHS.”
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council