NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)

When mental health is compromised, it can impact every part of our daily life. Approximately 1 in 4 adults in England experience a mental health problem each year. Our Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) are working within our communities to understand the factors that contribute to poor mental health. This lived-experience research provides the evidence needed to transform lives and improve mental health outcomes. Click through our carousel to see some examples of HDRCs are informing mental health support to improve the health and wealth of the nation. For more information on the HDRCs, visit the comments. To find out more about our #NIHR20 mental health gamechanger visit our website: https://lnkd.in/d7DR7bsr

In our latest article with The Voice Media Group, we explore the experiences of people affected by sickle cell and their involvement in NIHR-supported research. Sickle cell is a lifelong inherited blood condition that begins in childhood. It can cause excruciatingly painful episodes known as ‘crises’, as well as long-term organ damage. Around 20,000 people in the UK live with sickle cell, which disproportionately affects people of African and Caribbean heritage. Alongside the physical impacts of the condition, people can face difficulties accessing services, mental health impacts and wider social and economic pressures. For people living with sickle cell and their families, better care and support can make a huge difference. That’s where the NIHR-supported Sickle cell outreach, resources & engagement (SCORE) project comes in. The project worked with people with lived experience to design “sickle hubs” – safe community spaces offering education, wellbeing, and practical support outside of a hospital setting. By bringing people with lived experience into research, projects like SCORE are helping our research stay focused on the health and care outcomes that matter most to the communities we aim to support. There is still a long way to go. But together, we can help shape a future where sickle cell no longer holds people back, and where children like Kyra can grow up not just getting by, but living full, healthy lives. ➡️ Swipe through to meet some of the people involved and hear what NIHR-supported sickle cell research means to them. Read the article and discover how you can help shape the future of Black health through Be Part of Research: https://lnkd.in/d-djuCU3 Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

💜 Mental health challenges affect millions of people across the UK at every stage of life. Our research plays an important role in improving mental health outcomes. As part of our #NIHR20 celebrations, we want to pause and open up a different kind of conversation about what you do to support your mental health. Whether it’s a quick walk outside between meetings, a quiet cup of tea before the day starts, or stepping away from your screen to check in with a colleague - the little things can make a big difference to our daily mental health. Join the #NIHR20 conversation. Drop into the comments and tell us: what is one simple thing that you do to support your mental health? ⬇️ Curious about how our research has impacted mental health care? Explore our Mental Health Gamechanger on our website: https://lnkd.in/d7DR7bsr

How does research change lives and strengthen the UK? 📝 In their latest blog, our CEO Professor Lucy Chappell and Life Sciences Industry Director Dr Maria Koufali explore how UK research brings together scientific expertise, industry and the NHS to improve lives and support growth. Read their blog ⬇️

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with Archie Goodburn, a 25-year-old Team GB swimmer and campaigner living with an inoperable brain tumour, whose determined advocacy has helped shine a spotlight on the urgent need for faster progress in brain cancer research and treatment. During our discussions at both Downing Street and at the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission event I was struck by Archies determination, optimism and unwavering focus on improving outcomes for others. At NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research), we're proud to be turning that ambition into action. We're investing more than £25m in the Brain Tumour Research Consortium and supporting the next generation of research and clinical leaders through the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, including the newly launched paediatric neuro-oncology fellowship announced this week. We are also working in partnership with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) through their Brain Cancer Centres of Excellence and next year on their international brain cancer conference, to bring together global experts and promote Britain as a world leader in cutting-edge brain cancer research. Crucially, we have studies open right now that offer hope. The NIHR currently supports 59 brain cancer studies across the country, including 35 clinical trials. None of this progress happens without patients, families and campaigners. Archie has been a powerful catalyst for change, and this week was a reminder of what can be achieved when patients, researchers, charities, government and the NHS come together behind a shared goal.

Last week, we brought together early- to mid-career researchers for the NIHR Academy Members’ Conference, a particularly special gathering as we celebrate 20 years of the NIHR. From recognising the people behind research to exploring how technology and innovation can transform care, the conference was a reminder of what we can achieve together when we keep people, patients and communities at the heart of progress. A highlight was recognising our Research Leaders Prize winners, selected from more than 400 applicants. Professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR CEO and DHSC Scientific Director, presented their certificates. The winners represent the talent and leadership shaping the future of health and care research. As we reflect on two decades of the NIHR, we’re proud of the people driving research forward today and investing in the leaders who will shape its future. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such an inspiring celebration! Learn more about the Academy https://lnkd.in/ejWgQ4D5 #NIHRAMC26 #NIHR20

Congratulations to Professor Menna Clatworthy on her appointment as the Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford 👏🏻 Professor Clatworthy is a former NIHR Research Professor and now leads our Immunity, Inflammation and Transplantation theme at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Cambridge. Learn more about her work with our BRC: https://lnkd.in/dNdvcqT8

💬 Research participants have an important voice in shaping research. The My Research Experience survey gives people taking part in health and care research the opportunity to share their experiences. The latest survey collected feedback between April 2025 and March 2026, providing valuable insight into what it is like to take part in a research study. Join our Research Participant Voices webinar to hear more about the findings and the opportunities they highlight to improve the research experience. 📅 Tuesday 3 November ⏰ 1pm–2:30pm 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dMckrb8c

We’re proud to be part of this collaborative investment, bringing research institutions across the UK together to accelerate discoveries in MND. 💙

Moments like this remind us precisely why research is so critical - it saves lives, giving people more precious time with those they love. The latest data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit shows remarkable progress, with fewer men now dying from advanced prostate cancer 3 years post-diagnosis. Building on this, NIHR-funded analysis shows that the overall risk of death from prostate cancer dropped by nearly a quarter over 7 years. Research has driven this step change. Over the years, we’ve seen game-changing trials such as STAMPEDE, which evaluated new treatments, redefine and transform prostate cancer care and extend mens lives around the world. But our work is far from complete and, together with partners including Prostate Cancer UK, we will go further through studies such as the £60m TRANSFORM screening trial which will accelerate early diagnosis and improve outcomes for everyone affected by prostate cancer. Earlier this year, we announced the expansion of TRANSFORM, enabling all eligible Black men to be invited to Stage 2 of the trial. Building a screening programme on the strongest possible evidence depends on people from all backgrounds taking part. We encourage anyone invited to take part to take up this opportunity. This progress is testament to the collective dedication of the research community, industry, charity partners, the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) and fellow funders working together across the health research ecosystem. As the number of men diagnosed with this devastating disease continues to increase, we remain committed to funding and supporting research that spans prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, helping more people avoid cancer, detect it earlier and benefit from life-changing care.