We are pleased to share that the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have confirmed that ARC East of England has received an 18-month costed extension commencing October 2024.
NIHR ARC East of England is one of 15 ARCs across England supporting applied health and care research that responds to and meets the needs of local populations and health and care systems. ARCs were initially funded for 5 years, from October 2019 to October 2024.
The extension will enable us to continue to develop a nationally impactful, self-sustaining culture of collaborative applied research that is embedded in the region; support the careers of the next generation of researchers; and incorporate research findings into health and care practice.
In preparation for the costed extension, we consulted with over 450 people, which included health and care services, community organisations, our university partners and public contributors, to gather their diverse views on the future of our strategy. These discussions have informed our 18 month business plan from October 2024, which has been approved by NIHR and DHSC. The extension period will contribute to our vision for the next iteration of ARC East of England, beyond April 2026 and onwards.
“I am pleased that NIHR has confirmed we can move ahead with our plans for the 18-month extension. This will enable us to widen and deepen our public engagement approach and to focus more on addressing inequalities in access, experience and outcomes. By diversifying involvement and access to ARC in the region, we can be more effective in finding solutions to ongoing health and care challenges.”
Professor Wendy Wills, Director of NIHR ARC East of England