NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre

The NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) works closely with providers of medical and social care, and our diverse local communities, across North-West London to improve the health of more than 2 million people through scientific research.

Research linked by common threads The BRC supports research across 14 Themes, linked by four common threads: Early diagnosis – developing new tests and improving current testing to speed up diagnosis and allow earlier treatment Precision medicine – tailoring treatment to a patient s specific needs to improve outcomes Digital health – using computer technology to provide clinicians with more accurate information for better treatment and allow patients to manage their health Convergence science – bringing different scientific fields together to provide new perspectives and solve complex health research challenges Partnership and collaboration are key The Themes are designed to respond to the most pressing health needs of our communities.

They build on our existing strengths, partnerships and facilities.

Central to this is the Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC), a partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Imperial College London, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Cancer Research and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The AHSC is part of the North-West London Integrated Care System (ICS), a partnership between organisations providing health and social care to co-ordinate services and reduce inequalities.

The BRC will continue proven collaboration with local NHS partners and maximise links between Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

We work with a wide network of collaborators across the UK to ensure that our research means innovation in care for local populations, nationally, and with international impact.

Patient and community voices at the forefront Patients and community partnerships are essential, enabling us to continue improving health outcomes and ensuring that research is shaped by the populations whose health we seek to improve.

Projects such as those furthering understanding of health impacts of pollution and community support for vulnerable adults link to priorities for our local boroughs in North-West London.

The BRC is committed to providing all patients, carers and communities with opportunities to take part in research through engagement, involvement or participation opportunities.

Diversity is vital for science We believe diversity is crucial for success and the BRC will be underpinned by our new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Framework to ensure all research activity represents the communities we serve.

We work closely with staff networks to improve equality of access to opportunities and have identified immediate issues to tackle, such as establishing links with networks for Black healthcare professionals, providing support for female academics and tailored training for non-medics. Training our wider team Education is central to the BRC vision.

Funding and training opportunities will be provided for healthcare professionals to develop their careers in research through the Clinical Academic Training Office.

We will emphasise opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to engage with the BRC s vibrant research culture, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated research time.