Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 30
30
The Government should also establish a ring-fenced fund for cancer research infrastructure targeted at NHS...
Recommendation
The Government should also establish a ring-fenced fund for cancer research infrastructure targeted at NHS trusts which have historically low levels of research activity. (Paragraph 149) 46 Cancer services
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department provides sustained investment in research expertise, specialist facilities, a research delivery workforce and support services through the NIHR Infrastructure. This infrastructure spans the innovation pathway, from early translational research – including in our Biomedical Research Centres - through to the design and delivery of clinical trials and applied health and social care research across the nation. NIHR infrastructure supports the research funded by NIHR but also plays a crucial role in underpinning research funded by others: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), medical research charities, the life sciences industry (biopharmaceuticals, medtech, genomics, diagnostics and digital health), and other relevant industries. NIHR supports a number of infrastructure schemes including infrastructure dedicated to supporting cancer research. This includes Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs), in close partnership with Cancer Research UK that act a UK-wide network for delivering pioneering, early-phase cancer trials, bringing together world-leading laboratory and clinical researchers to test new treatments for adults and children with cancer and our NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the Royal Marsden BRC which carries out research on the latest cancer treatments and technologies. NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) supports patients, the public and health and care organisations across England to participate in high-quality research by which supporting the set-up and timely delivery of commercial and non-commercial studies and trials. The England-wide reach of the NIHR CRN provides capacity outside traditional research centres which benefits regional NHS Trusts as well as providing patients throughout the country with earlier access to innovative treatments. The CRN is comprised of 15 Local Clinical Research Networks and 30 Specialties (including cancer) who coordinate and support the delivery of high-quality research both by geography and therapy area. Prior to the pandemic cancer comprised the largest proportion of the NIHR CRN study portfolio, and it is likely that this will be the case into the future.