Our impact

Patients in research-active healthcare settings experience better outcomes and receive better care, with benefits extending to patients beyond those actively involved in research.

To maximise the impact we have, our strategy is based on the collective strengths of our members and focuses on clinical trials. early detection and diagnosis, experimental medicine, and addressing health inequalities.

We also prioritise the specific health challenges which are most prevalent in our region: cancer, inflammation and chronic disease, maternal health and perinatal mortality, and mental health.

Birmingham Health Partners envisions a future where health outcomes are continuously improved and our population is at the heart of all healthcare advancements

Browse our impact case studies

Early detection and diagnosis

Bladder cancer diagnostics

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the Western world and is commonly diagnosed via invasive cystoscopy. Birmingham researchers have developed a urine test to replace this procedure – find out more about this non-invasive procedure:

Download case study (pdf): New non-invasive urine test developed to detect bladder cancer

News story: Urine test for bladder cancer could replace thousands of invasive procedures each year

Experimental medicine

NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre

Birmingham’s BRC received £30m funding in 2022 and is the largest centre of its kind outside the ‘Golden Triangle’. Find out more about its research impact in organ transplantation, debilitating headaches and Covid19:

Download case study (pdf): NIHR Birmingham BRC – centre of excellence for inflammation research

Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Established in 2020, the Cerebra Network – a collaboration between BHP’s Aston University and the University of Birmingham, with the universities of Warwick and Surrey – aims to deliver greater insight into children with rare and complex syndromes.

Download case study (pdf): Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Clinical trials

National Lung Matrix Trial

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer caused by a range of specific mutations which vary between patients. This presents a clear opportunity for the use of precision medicine as individual patients won’t all respond in the same way to the same treatment.

Find out more about the National Lung Matrix Trial

Miscarriage and post-partum haemorrhage

Our maternal health research is internationally recognised, with one trial having been recognised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as one of only seven interventions that could save 2 million lives by 2030. Find out more about the E-MOTIVE trial as well as our research in miscarriage – download our maternal health case study (pdf).

Addressing health inequalities

Mental Heath Mission Midlands Translational Centre

Members of Birmingham Health Partners are part of the Government’s Mental Health Mission, with the city receiving £9.9m funding to establish the Midlands Translational Research Centre of Excellence – focusing on treatments in early psychosis, depression and children and young people. Find out more about what the Centre has set out to achieve.