Multiple Long-Term Conditions Cross-NIHR Collaboration

Research into Multiple Long-Term Conditions (MLTC) is a strategic priority for the NIHR. A MLTC Cross-NIHR Collaboration (MLTC CNC) programme has been established to bring together the NIHR's translational, applied and policy research infrastructure to respond to the NIHR Strategic Framework for MLTC Research, and work together to tackle the MLTC research questions that could not be achieved without this cross-disciplinary collaborative endeavour.

The collaboration will be inclusive of all parts of NIHR, to maximise the use of existing resources, leverage additional funding, attract commercial and non-commercial partners and collaborators, and build research capability, capacity and leadership in MLTC research.

Who we are

The £1.95 million NIHR MLTC CNC programme is led by Professor Avan Aihie Sayer, William Leech Professor of Geriatric Medicine at Newcastle University; Director of NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and by Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at University of Leicester; Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands and National ARC Lead for MLTC.

The Operational Management Group project manages the programme with day-to-day delivery undertaken by:

  • James Finney, NIHR MLTC CNC Partnerships Programme Manager
  • Laura Morgan, NIHR MLTC CNC Collaborations Programme Manager

The NIHR MLTC CNC programme has workstreams in 3 key areas of MLTC research:

The Interventions and Prevention Workstream

This workstream will identify opportunities for large-scale collaborative intervention projects around the translational circle to prevent or treat the causes and consequences of MLTC, develop appropriate funding bids, and drive the delivery of successful projects across multiple areas of NIHR infrastructure.

It is led by Professor Sally Singh, University of Leicester and Professor Miles Witham, Newcastle University.

The Methodologies Workstream

This workstream aims to identify the key challenges around research methodologies (including data science, recruitment, and analysis methods) to treat and prevent MLTC or the consequences of MLTC which require a collaborative approach to overcome and accelerate research for the benefit of patients.

It is led by Professor Colin McCowan, University of St. Andrews and Associate Professor Hajira Dambha-Miller, University of Southampton.

The Models of Care Workstream

This workstream will identify opportunities for large-scale collaborative projects to develop and evaluate ways of delivering health and care services, at health/care sector level or population level (closely aligned with policy and practice), to ensure the best possible outcomes for people with MLTC, leverage new grant funding, implemented through collaborative working across NIHR infrastructure.

This workstream is led by Professor Andrew Clegg, University of Leeds and Associate Professor Rachel Johnson, University of Bristol.

Work with us

For further information about the NIHR NLTC CNC Programme and to find out how to work with us, please contact us mltc-cnc@nihr.ac.uk.