The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Manchester is the largest BRC outside the South East of England and the beating heart of translational research across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria, transforming scientific breakthroughs into diagnostic tests and life-saving treatments for patients.
Awarded £64.1 million (2022-28) – the largest single research award given by the NIHR to the city region – the NIHR BRC: Manchester brings together world-leading researchers based at The University of Manchester and six of the country’s foremost NHS Trusts, with a vision to drive health improvements and lasting change for all through creative, inclusive and proactive research that identifies and bridges gaps between new discoveries and individualised care.
The NIHR BRC: Manchester is driving forward pioneering research in the areas of cancer (prevention and early detection, advanced radiotherapy, precision medicine, living with and beyond cancer), inflammation (rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease, respiratory medicine, dermatology, integrative cardiovascular medicine), under-researched conditions (hearing health, mental health, rare conditions) and advanced diagnostics and therapeutics (next generation phenotyping and diagnostics, next generation therapeutics).
Improving health across the city regionProfessor Dawn Edge, researcher in the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Manchester's Mental Health Theme, has been honoured in the 2026 edition of Black History Month Magazine.
Survivors of major trauma can achieve a remarkable rate of recovery when given the right support, according to a new University of Manchester-led study examining a pioneering rehabilitation programme developed in response to the needs arising from the Manchester Arena bombing.
Research is vital to help us understand more about a particular disease or condition and how to treat them.
Help shape our research plans
We’re looking to build collaborations with industry, public and charity partners to deliver on our ambitious plans.
The development of new clinical tests and treatments requires significant investment, specialist facilities and a diverse skillset, only made possible through a collaborative approach.
Read more about our partnerships