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Home > About Newcastle Hospitals > Research and development > Our research infrastructure

Our research infrastructure

We have access to high quality research facilities across our hospital sites and at partners’ sites

A scientist standing next to a machine in a laboratory

Newcastle Hospitals’ research excellence is recognised nationally and internationally in areas including ageing, cancer, child health, diagnostics, robotic surgery, advanced therapeutics, microbiology, mitochondrial disease, immunology, transplantation, rare diseases, liver and musculoskeletal diseases. 

With the support of over 400 members of staff employed specifically to support the set-up and delivery of clinical trials, our world-leading research gives patients from the local area and beyond the opportunity to access new treatments, therapies, and services.

Research happens in all clinical areas across the trust, including in our dedicated research facilities. Some of our research facilities are funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research, a national organisation which funds research activities and infrastructures.

Our research facilities

Find out more about some of our research facilities below:

National Institute of Health and Care Research Newcastle Clinical Research Facility (NIHR Newcastle CRF)

The NIHR Newcastle CRF carries out complex medical research in adults and children to test new treatments for the first time (known as early phase trials).

Research takes place across three main sites:-

  • The CRF in the Leazes Wing of the Royal Victoria Infirmary
  • The Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU), a patient-friendly facility which focuses on ageing and age-related conditions such as dementia, on the Campus for Ageing and Vitality in Newcastle.
  • The Dental CRF, based at Newcastle Dental Hospital.

The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre

Based with the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, the centre is supported by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and focusses on clinical research into new cancer drug therapies and techniques.

Early phase trials, also known as phase I and II trials, usually involve a small number of patients and test a new drug for the first time.

What’s involved in taking part?

Our research team will chat with you about what’s involved in taking part. We understand that this can be a big decision, so please don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to help you decide whether to take part.

If you consent to taking part, you’ll go through a screening process which usually involves blood tests and biopsies. This process helps to confirm it is safe for you to take part in the trial.

If all tests show it is safe for you to take part in the trial, our team will be in touch to make an appointment for you to start receiving the treatment.

Once you’re on the trial, you’ll regularly attend the centre to receive your treatment.

Our team is on hand to make sure you are supported throughout your clinical trial, and you’ll be regularly reviewed by our research nursing team and a doctor.

National Institute for Health and Care Research Commercial Research Delivery Centre (NIHR CRDC)

Based within the RVI, our CRDC acts as a regional hub for pioneering clinical trials.

Our aim is to give more people access to the latest clinical trials and treatments and reach people in the community who otherwise might not consider taking part in research.

The CRDC supports a network of researchers in hospitals and GP practices across the region, delivering trials for a range of health conditions.

We are currently working with the below organisations to increase capacity for commercial research:

If you have any questions or want to find out how you can work with us, please email [email protected]

NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC)

The NIHR Newcastle BRC is a partnership between Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University.

The BRC is based at the Health Innovation Neighbourhood (previously the Campus for Ageing and Vitality) and focusses on improving lives through testing and developing new approaches to tackling health problems associated with ageing and long-term conditions.

Areas of research include dementia, liver disease, musculoskeletal disease, neuromuscular disease, skin and oral disease.

John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre

The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre runs multidisciplinary children and adult clinics for over 2500 NHS patients per year with a range of neuromuscular diseases (those that affect the nerves that control certain muscles in your body) throughout the north of England.

Newcastle commercial services

Our commercial services team works with industry, academia, NHS colleagues, and partners to develop commercial opportunities and generate income for Newcastle Hospitals.

We have a range of opportunities for collaboration with commercial partners, including our research diagnostic labs the North East Innovation Lab and Novopath, Newcastle Hospitals Biobank, Newcastle Advanced Therapies, clinical trials for neurotechnology and data partnerships.

Work with us – commercial research opportunities

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