The UK Clinical Research Facility Network (UKCRF Network) has been awarded £2.4 million to support research studies over the next five years.
The new funding has been announced by the National Institute for Halth and Care Research (NIHR).
The UKCRF Network works in collaboration with 54 Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) based within NHS Trusts across the UK and Ireland.
This includes the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at University Hospital Southampton.
It also links with other key early phase and experimental medicine infrastructure including for cancer and vaccine trials.
The aim of the network is to benefit the UK early-stage clinical research and life sciences industry by developing, sharing and implementing excellence in operational practice. This leads to efficient and effective trial delivery, excellent patient experience and safety.
Enabling clinical research
The 28 NIHR CRFs belong to the UKCRF Network and are a key part of the UK’s leading early-stage clinical research infrastructure. They play an important role in making the country a global hub for life sciences.
Prof Saul Faust, Clinical Lead for UKCRF Network and Director of the NIHR Southampton CRF, said:
“This new NIHR funding will ensure patients across the UK can take part safely in more of the early development trials of new medicines, vaccines and diagnostic technologies that have to happen before larger trials in the NHS. CRFs will be able to support public and industry trials to happen faster whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.”
‘Continuing growth’
The UKCRF Network is hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
In partnership with NIHR and stakeholders, it promotes the UK as the place for broader investment in and economic growth from health research.
Paul Brown, Interim Director of UKCRF Network, said: “We are thrilled to announce that this bid was successful, and we have been officially awarded NIHR funding for the UKCRF Network from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2028.
“NIHR’s funding is a significant increase, which is a testament to our collaborative structure and a vote of confidence in the work to date. We look forward to expanding our teams, their remit and continuing our growth and success over the next five years.”
Dr Matthew Hallsworth, NIHR Director of External Affairs said: “The UK CRFs will continue their vital work to deliver ground-breaking research, bringing new treatments to patients across the country. They are a key part of the nation’s early phase research infrastructure and make an essential contribution to the UK’s position as a life sciences superpower.
“Our funding will enable and ensure continued collaboration between the centres in order to leverage the full strength of a network of CRFs.”