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National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

Clinical Research is, and has always been, at the very heart of the NHS. 

Only by carrying out research into 'what works' can we continually improve treatment for patients, and understand how to focus NHS resources where they will be most effective.

In 2006, the Department of Health set up the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to create a world-class health system within the NHS, and the Clinical Research Network is part of this wider organisation. At the centre of what we do is the Portfolio – a collection of high-quality clinical studies that benefit from the infrastructure provided by the NIHR Clinical Research Network. Many of these studies are randomised controlled trials – considered by many in the medical profession to be the most robust form of clinical trial – although we also support other types of well-designed research.

NIHR Clinical Research Network East of England

The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) is the clinical research delivery arm of the NHS. We operate nationally across England through a national coordinating centre and 15 local branches delivering research in the NHS across all disease areas.

The NIHR Clinical Research Network East of England is hosted by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The host is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of research in the Trusts, primary care organisations and other qualified NHS providers throughout the Eastern area.

The CRN East of England helps to increase the opportunities for patients to take part in clinical research, ensures that studies are carried out efficiently, and supports the Government’s Strategy for UK Life Sciences by improving the environment for commercial contract clinical research in the NHS in the East of England area.