The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has awarded the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust (LTHT) and the University of Leeds a prestigious establishment grant to become the NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU). The Research Units have been established by the NIHR to undertake translational clinical research in priority areas of disease: Leeds was identified as an international leader in musculoskeletal disease research.
Funding of £4 million will formalise collaborations between two existing strengths within Leeds, the Institute of Medical and Bioengineering and the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, and create an integrated unit which will become the UK’s leading musculoskeletal research facility. Through this investment, the LMBRU will exploit the significant potential that exists through the transfer of basic biomedical science into quality patient care.
A key feature of the LMBRU will be to foster the academic advancement of key clinical researchers within the Trust, mentored by experienced clinical and basic science researchers, with the specific aim of delivering excellence in translational research across the scientific and clinical contexts.
Professor Paul Emery, Head of the LIMM Section of Musculoskeletal Disease and the Director of the LMBRU said “This grant offers us the opportunity to become a world leading centre for musculoskeletal translational research. Achieving excellence in this area requires the participation of clinical researchers and academics in the strategic planning, conduct and communication of high quality research. This is an exciting opportunity to exploit and build on our local strengths to contribute to the international knowledge community”.
This was supported by the Co-Director of the LMBRU, Professor John Fisher. “In developing this Unit, we have recognised Leeds’ clinical and research strengths within the NHS and the University to achieve this goal. We have also identified areas of substantial biomedical research potential where there is matching scientific opportunity, and where a developmental investment has been made, particularly in the areas of radiology and orthopaedics.”