NIHR Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust CRF

Background Our vision is to deliver world-leading experimental medicine and early translational research to benefit patients & public.

Building on our track record of excellence and located on the largest biomedical research campus in Europe, the Cambridge Clinical Research Centre (CCRC) is committed to extending research participation, empowering our staff to increase research capabilities.

CCRC, comprises eight current CRFs/Units (Adult, Maternal & Child Health, Metabolic, Early Phase Trials, Clinical Investigation Ward, Interventional (panendoscopy, biopsy) Investigation, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, COVID-19 Satellite) and two, new facilities (Cardiorespiratory CRF, Q1, 2022 and Neuroscience Advanced Therapy, Q1, 2023) alongside NHS hospitals (Cambridge University,1400 beds; Royal Papworth 310 beds), leading research laboratories (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute), externally-funded (MRC, Wellcome, BHF) Institutes & Units and pharma (AstraZeneca, global research HQ; GlaxoSmithKline clinical unit), with proximity to other discovery science (Sanger, Babraham, European Bioinformatic) in wider Cambridge.

Between 2019 & 2021,CCRC has conducted 463 studies, 98% in experimental medicine and of high-medium (96%) intensity.

CCRC has capacity & capability to deliver new research (e.g. cardiorespiratory experimental medicine; gene, cell & immune therapies) and capitalise on campus developments (e.g.

AstraZeneca, Milner Therapeutic & Dementia Drug Discovery Institutes), translating discovery science into new therapies.

Key objectives In partnership with patients & the public, we will conduct a balanced portfolio of Early Translational & Experimental Medicine studies, including participants from underserved & ethnic minority populations, to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries into therapies, devices & technologies that improve health.

Increasing capacity & capability, we will enable operation of new research infrastructure: a cardiorespiratory CRF dedicated to early phase, experimental medicine, repurposing drugs for common diseases, identifying new drug targets and therapies for rare disorders and collaborating with pharma (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKiline) and biotech; a neuroscience advanced therapy treatment centre enabling delivery of gene & cell therapies with precision, using magnetic resonance imaging guidance during surgery for neurological conditions, in adults & children.

Combining local strengths in manufacture, toxicology and researchers, with CRF-based, air-controlled accommodation, we will expand programs of engineered immune cells and antibodies in cancer and immunoinflammatory diseases.

To further develop academic-pharma collaboration in experimental medicine in partnership with local companies (AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline) and Biotech, CCRC will develop such research (Operations Manager), train Health Professionals (e.g. in doctoral, clinical fellowship programs, NIHR Associate Investigators, newly-appointed Academic or NHS faculty) in Experimental Medicine and provide dedicated medical and nursing staff with expertise in high-intensity (e.g. first-in-human) studies.

Informed by surveys of current staff, our broadened Workforce Development programme, including training in generic & specialist research knowledge & skills and PPIE, will empower our workforce to inform design, lead & conduct a wider range of studies, with confidence; working with local Health Professional doctoral training programmes, we aim to augment Health Professional Investigators utilising our CRF; CRF engagement with the NHS workforce including regionally, will further increase the ethnic diversity of our workforce.