A key ingredient in NIHR’s success has been working with partners from across the public sector, charities and industry. We do this both to achieve our aims and to improve the UK research ecosystem, thus playing our part in supporting the UK’s world-leading life sciences sector.
Our research infrastructure – facilities, networks, expert researchers and technology platforms – helps to underpin the research funded by the life sciences industry, charities and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) that is crucial to improving national health and supporting a strong economy.
By strengthening these diverse partnerships, we ensure that collaboration across the research ecosystem is maximised to the benefit of patients and the public and the UK economy.
We support and deliver life sciences industry research across the innovation pathway, from early translational through to applied health research, giving patients and the public faster access to new diagnostics, therapies and medical devices.
We work with a diverse range of industry sectors, including diagnostics, medical technology and biopharmaceutical, as well as with associated industries such as digital, design and artificial intelligence. We also support small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to design and carry out high-quality research to provide evidence of the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of their innovative interventions.
We’re committed to partnering with health and social care charities to support high quality research in areas of shared interest.
We actively engage with medical research charities, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), and a range of non-research funding charities and their trade organisations to accelerate health research and bring benefits to patients faster.
We have a strong relationship with the research councils and Innovate UK, now part of UKRI, and with the devolved administrations, collaborating to ensure our research processes are coordinated and that the UK remains an attractive destination for research.
News: NIHR CRN Cancer Industry Event - The Current Research Landscape for Cancer in the UK. 24 October 2019, London
News: Preparing primary and community care in the NHS for genomic research: A joint report by the NIHR CRN and RCGP
We are the nation's largest funder of health and care research and provide the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive. We have transformed research in and for the NHS and helped to shape the health research landscape more broadly. Our evidence is used to improve outcomes for patients, shape policy and strengthen the health and care system.
We were established in 2006 under the government’s health research strategy, Best Research for Best Health. We are primarily funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, but also receive UK aid funding to support research for people in low- and middle-income countries. Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public, we deliver and enable world-class research that transforms people’s lives, promotes economic growth and advances science.
Our Mission
NIHR's mission is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We deliver against this mission through five strategic workstreams.
Our Governance
The NIHR's work is directed by leaders at Department of Health and Social Care working in partnership with the directors of our seven coordinating centres.
Our Contribution to Research
The NIHR is a central part of the UK research landscape, collaborating in national activities to improve research and supporting NHS research performance.
