MFT researchers appointed Specialty and Setting Leads within new NIHR Research Delivery Network

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has recently appointed Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s (MFT) Dr James Bluett, as National Specialty Lead for Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedics and Professor Sandip Mitra as NIHR National Setting Lead for Hospitals, within their new Research Delivery Network (RDN).

As Speciality Lead for Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedics, Dr Bluett, Honorary Consultant at MFT will focus on developing the capacity and capability for research delivery in the health and care environment, leading, supporting and influencing change in line with the NIHR RDN’s remit on a national scale, within England.

Dr Bluett, who is also a Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester and a researcher in the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Theme, said: “I am excited to be embarking on this national role and look forward to proactively working with patients, healthcare professionals, academics and life sciences partners to continue to drive forward the delivery of high-quality health and care research.”

As NIHR National Setting Lead for Research in Hospitals, Professor Mitra’s role will focus on continuing improvement of research capacity and delivery in hospitals; leading and supporting national change through strategic direction and acting as an ambassador for research in NHS.

Professor Sandip Mitra, Consultant Nephrologist in Nephrology and Transplantation and Research and Innovation Lead at Manchester Royal Infirmary said: “My experience in leading and delivering research at MFT will be valuable for this national role, which I am delighted to be appointed to. I believe NHS hospitals can become the global powerhouse for delivering clinical research to improve healthcare, and I am excited by the opportunity to bring research closer to patient care.”

Comprising of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDN), coordinated by the University of Leeds, the new NIHR RDN will operate as one unified organisation across England, balancing regional context, expertise and leadership with national coordination and strategy involving government policymakers. MFT will host the NIHR North West RRDN from 1 October 2024.

For more information on the NIHR RDN read this press release.