The North of England has received £55m in funding to grow its research capabilities in a five year funding package through the National Institute for Health Research.

This sees the North with four National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centres (NIHR BRC) awarded.

The existing BRC centre in Newcastle has received funding of £16,208,633 and a further three cities have been granted BRC status in Manchester, £28,500,000, Leeds, £6,736,575 and Sheffield, £4,049,681.

The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) coordinated the bids across the North, with many collaborations across Northern centres, which see the partnerships – between NHS Trust and University – benefit from new world class facilities and support services.

The UK is already a world leader in pioneering medical breakthroughs and this record investment will ensure this strong tradition continues. It is estimated that for every £1 the Department of Health invests, hospitals/universities will generate £6 – from public funders of research, charities and industry partners – a boost for the economy.

 Professor Ian Greer, Chair of the Northern Health Science Alliance, said: “I welcome the award of four Biomedical Research Centres to the North as recognition of the world-class biomedical and health research we deliver for the UK.

“It is fantastic news for the North and demonstrates our research excellence, it also highlights the benefits of the work that the NHSA has done to raise awareness of our pioneering medical science.

“These awards will bring further investment and benefit to the North’s 15m population with major health challenges. Such funding into the North of England will ensure that it achieves its full potential as a powerhouse of health science delivering benefits for our population.”

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Manchester has received £28,500,000 for work in advanced radiotherapy; cancer prevention and early detection; cancer precision medicine; dermatology; hearing health; respiratory medicine and targeted therapy in musculoskeletal diseases.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals and NHS Trust and University of Leeds has received £6,736,575 for preventing disease and disability in immune mediated inflammatory disease and improving treatment of osteoarthritis.

Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and NHS Trust and Newcastle University have received  £16,208,633 for research into dementia; liver disease; musculoskeletal disease; neuromuscular disease; skin and oral disease.

 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Sheffield have received £4,049,681 to look at translational neuroscience for chronic neurological disorders.