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Birmingham’s NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF) has marked another successful year, with thousands of patients and volunteers taking part in pioneering studies that are shaping the future of medicine.

Established in 2001, the CRF provides a high-quality environment for volunteers and patients of all ages to take part in experimental and early-phase research.

Spanning two of Birmingham’s hospitals, the CRF runs its adult unit from Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) and its paediatric unit from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, part of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC).

Between 31 March 2024 and 1 April 2025, the CRF supported 409 active studies - 334 at UHB and 75 at BWC - involving 13,503 patient visits and the recruitment of 2,514 participants.

The facility has seen a particular growth in Advanced Therapy Investigational Medicinal Product (ATIMP) studies, which explore innovative treatments based on genes, cells, or tissues. It has also expanded work in maternal health, mental health and neonatal research, as well as opening studies in new disease areas.

Collaboration is central to the CRF’s approach, with almost half of its studies (48%) co-delivered in partnership with other NIHR infrastructure, including the Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre. This way of working ensures expertise and resources are shared to maximise patient benefit and research impact.

The year also saw significant investment, with over £4 million secured by the facility to open a new clinical research unit in the MIDRU building at Heartlands Hospital, as well as new laboratory and endoscopy equipment purchased for both QEHB and Good Hope Hospital.

Patients themselves have spoken warmly of their experience at the CRF, with recent feedback including: “Every week has been a pleasure visiting the Wellcome Research Centre”, “All staff were extremely friendly, supportive and knowledgeable” and “They are kind and thoughtful, giving you all the information you need to feel comfortable”.

Jo Gray, Head of Research and Development Operations, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our colleagues in the Clinical Research Facility for their dedication and hard work in delivering patient-centred research across a wide range of studies and disease areas. Their impact on patients is evident in the feedback we receive, and we look forward to building on last year’s successes through continued collaboration with our industry partners."