How we support the region's research

Many other health partnerships are focussed on clinical research, but the model we have in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is different. We cover not only clinical and biomedical research, but also public and population health, and primary care. We do not focus solely on illness: we also address lifelong health and how to prevent illness in the first place.

Academic Health Science Centre designation

In recognition of our academic excellence and expertise in these areas, in 2020 Bristol Health Partners was designated an Academic Health Science Centre by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and NHS England up to 2025. 

Working with our Integrated Care System

We were the first Academic Health Science Centre in England to develop a fully integrated relationship with its Integrated Care System (ICS). We provide the Research and Innovation Steering Group for Healthier Together, which is our local ICS.

We work with our ICS to prevent illness and disease, join up services more effectively and better integrate research with innovation to ensure that people living in our area benefit from the best available evidence. We review ICS programmes, identify current and potential research and innovation connections, and help to establish new relationships between research experts, those making decisions about services, and people with lived experience of using those services.

How we work together has been recognised as an example of best practice in the NHS’s guidance for integrated care systems.

How we can support your funding application

Being associated with Bristol Health Partners can be helpful when applying for funding to support relevant health and care projects and activities. If you would like a letter of support from us for your funding application, please contact [email protected]