Greater Manchester’s research ecosystem celebrates the impact and success of CRDC: GM’s first 18 months

Researchers, patients and Life Sciences industry partners from across the Greater Manchester healthcare ecosystem, and beyond, came together to celebrate the success and impact of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Commercial Research Delivery Centre: Greater Manchester (CRDC: GM).

Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) with an award from the NIHR of more than £4.7million, the CRDC:GM is dedicated to accelerating and delivering high-quality commercial research across Greater Manchester, tackling health inequalities and benefiting the diverse communities it serves.

Lord James O’Shaughnessy, whose 2023 review of clinical commercial studies provided the framework for the UK’s exciting new approach for the life sciences sector, provided the event’s keynote talk, praising Greater Manchester’s role as a research and innovation powerhouse. He said: “I’m always delighted to spend time in Greater Manchester’s healthcare research and innovation ecosystem, which is a pioneering provider of translational research.

“Greater Manchester is embracing the responsibility of making sure the UK remains an attractive place to deliver commercial clinical trials, and continues to set the standard for working across multiple healthcare settings to bring research opportunities to patients and communities.”

Established in April 2025, CRDCs enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery in the UK, boosting the global competitiveness of the UK life sciences sector and contributing to the health and wealth of the nation.

The CRDC: GM complements and utilises the strength, experience and expertise of Greater Manchester’s existing world-class research and innovation ecosystem, to position the region as a hub for pioneering clinical trials.

Mark Cubbon, Trust Chief Executive of MFT, said: “MFT is proud to host one of the largest NIHR portfolios in the country, and the NIHR CRDC: GM gives us a major opportunity to build on those strengths. By offering industry a single front door into Greater Manchester, we can make it easier and faster to set up and deliver commercial clinical research studies across the NHS.

“Our bold ambitions will attract more commercial research, build stronger life sciences partnerships, boost the local economy, and ensure more people from Greater Manchester’s vibrant and diverse population can take part in studies that could shape the treatments and technologies of the future.

“This is about using Greater Manchester’s expertise, experience, scale and relationships to deliver real benefits for industry, the NHS and, above all, patients.”

Attendees also heard about CRDC: GM’s commitment to work with partners in delivering commercial research into communities. This was followed by a tour of Greater Manchester Research Van which plays a key role in bringing cutting-edge clinical studies closer to people’s homes, making it easier for diverse and underserved communities to participate in vital health research without having to travel to a hospital.

Dr Claire Cole, Director of CRDC: GM said: “I’m delighted that we were able to share the early success of CRDC: GM with our colleagues from partner organisations, researchers, patients, and representatives from the life sciences industry.

“Our aims are to increase commercial clinical research across primary, secondary, and community care settings, improve access to commercial research opportunities, and expand capacity and capability to conduct commercial research. Our first 18 months of operation has given us the platform to build on as we can see the initial impact, but this is just the start of our ambitious journey to demonstrate the lasting changes and improvements delivered by CRDC: GM for everyone in Greater Manchester.”

The highlight of the day was provided by research participants Jill (via video) and Stuart (at the event) who discussed their journeys of taking part in CRDC: GM studies. Their message to anyone that is asked to take part in a clinical study or thinking about participating in one – “Just do it!”