Five UK research hubs to develop technologies for healthier lives

Five new research and partnership hubs are being backed by over £52 million from the UK government through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to develop tools that help people stay healthier for longer.

This investment builds on previous healthcare hubs whose work have already led to the world's first AI-assisted brain tumor surgery and new space suits fitted with artificial muscles for astronauts exploring the Moon and Mars. 

New technologies will help people manage their own health, bringing benefits such as shifting care out of hospitals and into communities, and helping to ease pressure on the NHS.

The five hubs will:

• create the UK's first network of NHS brain health clinics, where AI combines blood tests, brain scans and memory tests to reduce the risk of dementia, and to speed up diagnosis by up to 50%
• build pitch side and car crash tools that alert people to how dangerous a blow to the head is in real-time
• use AI to spot early signs of diabetes and heart disease hidden in routine eye scans
• develop smartphone apps that listen to coughs and breathing, wearable devices and easy-to-use test to advise people with a respiratory infection whether to rest or contact a pharmacist or GP
• create an AI-powered wellbeing coach to give people personalised support on managing cardiovascular disease from home

Partnering with the right people

The national hubs are based in Exeter, London, Southampton and Sunderland. They will bring together experts in engineering and physical sciences from across all four nations in the UK.

To make sure research provides real benefits to patients, the teams will work closely with people with lived experience of these conditions, alongside healthcare professionals.

Partners include the NHS, charities such as Alzheimer's Society, Rugby Football League, GB boxing, and global industry partners like Google, Siemens and Medtronic.

They will provide an additional £37.5 million in cash and in-kind support.

Building on proven results

These five new hubs will improve the lives and livelihoods of people and patients right across the UK. They build on the proven success of our previous hubs, which are already translating cutting-edge research into real benefits, advancing healthcare innovation, including the world's first AI-assisted brain tumour surgery. By working closely with patients, the NHS and industry, we're helping people live healthier lives and preventing ill health before it starts."

Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI)