The event entitled Strengthening Collaboration: Unlocking UK Research Growth, was organised jointly by the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI) and the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) on behalf of the Clinical Research Delivery Centres UK CRDC Network and was aimed at forging greater connectivity and building relationships with the pharmaceutical industry.
The CRDC Network was established in April 2025 to enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery across Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, and to create a more innovative clinical research delivery system to boost the global competitiveness of the UK life sciences sector and contribute to the health and wealth of the nation.
Northern Ireland has received £12.6 million of investment via the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) five year investment programme. This is an agreement between the ABPI, Department of Health, and the NHS, which will support and enable further development of commercial research capability, and enhance opportunities for both the HSC and the population of Northern Ireland to deliver and take part in vital commercial clinical trial research.
HSCNI and the Northern Ireland CRDC was represented by Dr Rhonda Campbell, Assistant Director of HSC R&D, Barry Henderson and Dr Julie McCullough from HSC R&D Industry Engagement, alongside Professor Nigel Hart, leading the Primary Care research component of the Northern Ireland CRDC, and Dr Patrick Donnelly from the SEHSCT, following the recent launch of the VPAG funded Clinical Trial Centre at the Ulster Hospital. The event was well attended, with over 20 pharmaceutical companies seeking to connect and better understand how commercial clinical trials are delivered in Trusts and primary care.
Dr Rhonda Campbell commented on the very positive event, “this meeting reinforced the collaborative intent of the CRDCs with the aim of supporting pharma to deliver commercial clinical research right across the UK”.
