Newcastle University in the UK has received £22m from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to further its research into identifying new medicines, diagnostics, digital technologies, and devices.

These innovations have the potential to revolutionise healthcare, minimise inequalities, and support a more responsive system.

The five-year award forms the foundation of the NIHR Innovation Observatory, which offers strategic insights to shape national health and social care policies, guide decisions related to investments, and enhance the adoption of new technologies.

It will commence in April 2026, building upon almost ten years of NIHR funding that has strengthened efforts at the university.

This new phase aims to further empower policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and health and care professionals to identify and leverage technologies that can enhance population health and the delivery of care.

Using the award, the Innovation Observatory is set to enhance its methodologies, improve its technical infrastructure, and further refine its foresight outputs.

The funding facilitates enhanced collaboration with government departments, such as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department of Health and Social Care, charities, national and regional stakeholders, prospective inward investors, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the health and life sciences sector.

NIHR Innovation Observatory director Dawn Craig said: “The award will further enhance our ability to turn data into rapid, actionable insights, driving smarter decisions, faster innovation adoption, and deeper collaboration with industry and national partners.

“By strengthening our analytical capabilities and fostering cross-sector partnerships, we are not only looking to improve care but also to play a role in positioning the UK as a global leader in health tech and innovation-driven growth.”