The Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) Applied Health and Care Research Group, a joint initiative between MAHSC and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM), has awarded over £150,000 in funding to support cross-discipline, multi-institution, research-led projects that have the potential to generate health and social care impact and benefits to people and communities, patients, and carers. 

This follows a funding opportunity developed to support projects that focus on topics allied to applied health and care and consider the specific health needs of the Greater Manchester area.  

Projects were required to align with the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership strategy 2022-2028 and Greater Manchester’s 5-year Joint Forward Plan. They were also encouraged to tackle health and social care inequalities, including but not limited to, the inclusion of under-served groups in research, and it was key that they included a named sponsor from the local health and care system and demonstrated Public and Community Involvement (PPIE). 

The opportunity received a fantastic response, with 42 high-quality applications received from across Greater Manchester universities, NHS Trusts, the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, the Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks, and multiple applications made in partnership between universities, NHS Trusts, and the voluntary sector. 

Each application received was reviewed and scored by 3 independent reviewers and a member of the public, and the outcomes were discussed at a Funding Selection Committee Discussion, comprising 6 representatives from across GM Higher Education Institutions, a PPIE expert, 2 members of the public, and a representative from the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership. 

The call proved very competitive, with the Selection Committee only able to recommend a small number of applications received for funding, and having to make tough choices on which applications were able to be selected. The high quality of applications meant that it was only those scored at the very highest level, that were able to be funded on this occasion. 

Professor Matt Sutton, MAHSC Applied Health and Care Research Group Chair, Professor of Health Economics, University of Manchester, and ARC-GM Deputy Director, shared his reflections on the process: “To receive such a response to the call demonstrates the clear demand there is in conducting applied health and care research that considers the specific health needs of the Greater Manchester area and seeks to generate impact and benefits to people, communities, patients and carers. The level of high-quality, collaborative, and cross-discipline applications received is a testament to the work that is being undertaken, and seeking to be undertaken, across Greater Manchester”. 

Paul Lynch, Director of Strategy and Planning, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, shared his hopes for the funded research: “The applications selected for funding demonstrated alignment with the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership strategy 2022-2028 and Greater Manchester’s 5-year Joint Forward Plan. By supporting research in this way, we have a unique opportunity to drive research and innovation to meet the diverse needs of our citizens and communities”. 

Further information on the projects selected for funding will be shared at a future date. 

Further MAHSC Funding Opportunities 

Funding opportunities in each MAHSC domain are announced throughout the year. Find out more here. 

About MAHSC 

MAHSC is a collaborative partnership between The University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (part of the Northern Care Alliance), and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. This alliance unites leading healthcare providers with world-class academics and researchers to foster innovation and advancements in healthcare. Find out more here. 

About NIHR ARC-GM 

The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM) is a partnership between providers and commissioners from the NHS, industry, the third sector and the University of Manchester. It is one of 15 ARCs across England, part of a £135 million investment by the NIHR to improve the health and care of patients and the public. Our remit is to support applied health and care research that responds to and meets the needs of local populations and health and care systems and, to improve the uptake of evidence-based innovation, policies and practices in Greater Manchester and beyond. Find out more here.