New Medical Director for Manchester Clinical Research Facility

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) / Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility (MCRF) is pleased to announce that on 1^stNovember Professor Nick Webb, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist became the new MCRF Medical Director.

Professor Webb, who has been the Medical Director of the Children’s Clinical Research Facility since October 2007 will take over Professor of Rheumatology and NIHR Senior Investigator, Ian Bruce.

Professor Webb explains: “Having worked closely with Professor Bruce and the senior management team in the running of the MCRF, I am excited to take a lead role in developing the facility’s future strategy.”

After leading the MCRF for three years, Professor Ian Bruce is taking up a new position as Director of theNIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (BRU). The BRU is a partnership between Central Manchester Hospitals and The University of Manchester, which aims to improve response in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Professor Bruce will continue to work closely with Professor Webb, in the position of MCRF Deputy Medical Director.

Professor Bruce said: “During my time as Medical Director, I have seen the MCRF evolve as a front-runner in experimental medicine. The team behind the facility have achieved many key milestones such as securing NIHR funding in 2012 and hitting 120,000 participant visits since opening.

Under the leadership of Professor Webb the MCRF will continue to facilitate and drive high-quality experimental medicine across a wide range of clinical specialities”