The NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre is a network of researchers and health professionals from Imperial College University and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (the Trust). The centre was funded for 5 years to develop new treatments, diagnostic tests and medical technologies for the benefit of patients, the public, and the health and care services in North West London.
There are four central threads to the research:
- Early diagnosis – developing new tests and improving current testing to speed up diagnosis and allow earlier treatment
- Precision medicine – tailoring treatment to a patient’s specific needs to improve outcomes
- Digital health – using computer technology to provide clinicians with more accurate information for better treatment and allow patients to manage their health
- Convergence science – bringing different scientific fields (e.g. engineering and medicine) together to provide new perspectives and solve complex health research challenges
The Centre’s 14 Research Themes were chosen to respond to the most pressing health needs of our communities. They build on our existing strengths, partnerships and facilities across both the University and the Trust.
Cancer
Improving cancer & leukaemia diagnosis, care and treatment
Dementia & Mental Health
Improving understanding, care & treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and addiction.
Diabetes, Hormones, Obesity & Infertility
Preventing and treating obesity, type 1 & 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hormonal conditions and their complications, such as infertility.
Digital health
Developing digital apps & devices to manage or monitor health, and using data (in electronic patient records) to improve patient care and treatment
Disease Diagnosis
Improving diagnosis of cancer, gut health diseases & other diseases which are often missed or incorrectly diagnosed.
Gut Health
Improving understanding, treatment & management of conditions that affect the stomach and surrounding organs.
Health Inequalities
Exploring the role of social (e.g. relationships, family structure), genetic (our inherited genes) and environmental (e.g. housing, pollution) factors on health.
Immune System
Improving the diagnosis & treatment of conditions which impact the way your immune system works.
Infections
Improving understanding of bacterial and viral infections, HIV, sepsis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, malaria and healthcare associated infections.
Multiple Long Term Conditions (at the same time)
Prevention, management and treatment of multiple long-term or chronic conditions occurring at the same time.
Surgery & Technology
Improving the quality & safety of surgery, through the use of new devices, surgical technology & procedures.
The Themes have specific key objectives to which are detailed on their individual webpages.
In addition to their core objectives, most Themes have supported small research projects supporting early career researchers to gather preliminary data. Below are details of these projects broken down by diseases categories.