£10 million to NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility

NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) has recently been awarded £10.5 million of research funding by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

The research of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) spans cancer; antimicrobial resistance; nutrition, lifestyle and metabolism; respiratory and allergy; supporting behaviour changes; microbiology, immunology and infection; perioperative and critical care.

They have also been a part of the NIHR and NHS coronavirus research effort. Clinical trials undertaken by the laboratory range from studies testing new treatments, vaccines and medical devices in patients for the very first time (first-in-human trials) through to early safety and efficacy trials (phase II and complex phase III trials).

The CRF and Biomedical Research Centre’s (BRC) Antimicrobial Resistance laboratory, located within University Hospital Southampton, supports  NAMRIP researchers and the University of Southampton's National Biofilm Innovation Centre. They work to reduce the need for antibiotics by improving point-of-care testing to determine the need for antibiotics and conduct research into the biofilms which aid some bacteria to protect against antibodies and develop resistance.

The funding boost will enable the university-hospital partnership to grow its delivery of ground-breaking studies which improve patient treatments and care.

Prof Saul Faust, Director of NIHR Southampton CRF, said: “The research delivered by our CRF since it was first opened in 2001 has provided faster access for patients to novel treatments. These new advances are driving better health outcomes for all and boosting our national economy.

“I am delighted that our outstanding track-record and long-term strategy have been recognised through ongoing NIHR funding in Southampton. With support from our patients and healthy volunteers, our studies will continue to shape the next generation of healthcare.”

Click here to learn more about Southampton Clinical Research Facility