University of Cumbria joins major research partnership to improve health and care across the region

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has announced a £157 million investment over five years in 10 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England. Our region has successfully secured £15.3 million of this funding, with the ARC hosted by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

The University of Cumbria joins five other regional universities - Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside - as part of this collaborative effort, alongside NHS organisations, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) North East and North Cumbria, Health Innovation Network (HIN), and voluntary sector partners.

This funding will build on the achievements of the ARC North East and North Cumbria since 2019, enabling partners to scale up successful research and tackle pressing health and care challenges. Areas of focus include:

• Preventing ill-health and managing multiple long-term conditions
• Reducing health inequalities
• Supporting children, women’s and family health
• Improving safety, effectiveness and efficiency of care services
• Promoting workplace wellbeing and supporting people with long-term conditions into work

Professor Joy Duxbury OBE, University of Cumbria’s lead for the ARC, said:

“This is a significant moment for the University of Cumbria and our partners. Being part of this collaboration allows us to contribute meaningfully to applied research that addresses real-world challenges in health and social care. Our commitment to community-focused and place based research and education aligns perfectly with the ARC’s mission to improve outcomes for patients and communities. We look forward to working with colleagues across the region to ensure that research is supported, that translates into tangible benefits for those who need it most. Opportunity to build capacity and capability in our local researchers is also welcomed”

Professor Zulf Ali, University of Cumbria’s  Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange, also welcomed the announcement. He said:

“I’m delighted that we’ll continue to be part of the ARC. My experience of the ARC North East and North Cumbria is that the partners have a shared purpose and mutual respect. It’s a great example of how genuine collaboration can create more value and meaningful impact.”

The ARC will be led by Professor Eileen Kaner and Professor Ruth McGovern from Newcastle University, with a leadership team representing all six universities. Together, they will support a network of researchers, students and practitioners working closely with health and care providers, patients and the public.

This investment reflects NIHR’s commitment to supporting high-quality research that powers transformation, drives innovation, and improves lives.