Access facilities for early stage research
The NIHR funds research infrastructure to support researchers with the delivery of early stage experimental medicine research studies. Our funding goes towards purpose built facilities in the country’s leading NHS hospitals and universities and a skilled workforce of researchers and clinical trial support staff.
Our facilities and expertise in research delivery are available to researchers who want to deliver experimental medicine research.
Access our facilities
NIHR Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) are dedicated and purpose built facilities in NHS hospitals where researchers can deliver early phase clinical trials. The 22 facilities around England have cutting-edge technologies and access to patients.
NIHR CRFs have skilled clinical trial support staff who can advise on and, support delivery of, complex or high intensity experimental research. The facilities are supported by the UK Clinical Research Facility Network, which provides best practice guidance and tools to ensure each CRF delivers clinical trials of the highest standard.
The Experimental Cancer Medicine Centres (ECMCs) are a network of world-leading scientists and clinicians who bring together expertise and techniques to support the delivery of early phase cancer trials. The NIHR funds 14 ECMCs across England in close partnership with Cancer Research UK.
Find out more about our experimental cancer research network.