With one in four people in England living with MLTC, themes have broadened their focus beyond single long-term conditions to address the complexity and impact of additional diagnoses.
Our internationally-renowned researchers work collaboratively across the BRC to share understanding and maximise the value and impact of our research. This critical mass of research excellence combined with synergistic working enable us to realise the benefits of bringing the research together as a BRC and maximise the effectiveness of NIHR's funding. For example we are aiming to standardise approaches to characterising ageing and MLTC across the themes, build cross-theme expertise in symptoms such as low mood and loss of mobility, and link rare disease research areas. We exploit scientific advances in data driven approaches such as the Human Cell Atlas and wearable technology across themes.
Our research is underpinned by a broad range of facilities which provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, specialist expertise, and dedicated analytical and testing services.
Facilities supported by the NIHR Newcastle BRC are located on both partnership sites for Newcastle Hospitals, CNTW and Newcastle University, allowing translational research to be carried out in both clinical and academic environments.
The NIHR Newcastle CRF delivers high-quality, cutting-edge experimental medical research and early phase clinical trials. Located across three sites in close proximity: Royal Victoria Infirmary Research Unit (RVRU) and Paediatric Research Unit (PRU) in the Leazes Wing and New Victoria Wing of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU) on the Newcastle University Campus for Ageing and Vitality (CAV) site, Newcastle Dental Research Unit (DRU) within the Newcastle Dental Hospital and School of Dental Sciences.
Visit Newcastle CRF website
The Magnetic Resonance Centre operates in conjunction with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for all clinical research work.
With more than 900m2 of research space, the Centre is equipped with two high field strength magnetic resonance scanners and full facilities throughout for clinical MR research and associated technical developments. It has been designed around the needs and comfort of research volunteers.
Visit the Magnetic Resonance Centre website to find out more.
Clinics for Research and Service in Themed Assessments (CRESTA) provides one-stop, multi-disciplinary clinics centred on the needs of older patients, as well as a prime source of research inspiration for clinical academics engaged in valuable research as part of the NIHR Newcastle BRC.
A specialist part of the NIHR Newcastle CRF, the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU) facilitates the development of early assessment and intervention strategies targeted at age-related conditions.
CARU staff and facilities provide a high quality, patient-friendly environment for phase II-IV clinical studies. They employ experienced research nurses with specific training in commonly used, relevant assessment instruments.
Newcastle CRF: Clinical Ageing Research Unit
Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource (formerly Newcastle Brain Bank) was established over 30 years ago and has supported major advances in the understanding of dementia and neurodegenerative disease and identifying therapeutic targets. Current cholinergic therapy for dementia was based in part on studies carried out on tissue from NBTR. NBTR operates under a Human Tissue Authority licence and has full ethical approval as a research tissue bank. All tissue is collected with informed consent.
Visit Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource website
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