The Sussex CRDC is a key part of the shared research infrastructure of The Sussex Health and Care Research Partnership.
Sussex Health and Care Research Partnership (SHCRP)
Led by Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the Sussex Health and Care Research Partnership (SHCRP) brings together health and care research partners across Sussex. This partnership focuses on building shared research infrastructure, growing research capacity, and fostering strong partnerships. SHCRP aims to deliver more high-quality research, create greater opportunities for public involvement, and ensure research directly benefits local health and care. Sussex Health and Care Research Partnership – BSMS
We are supported by NIHR regional infrastructure partnerships including:
- Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex Applied Research Collaboration | Kent, Surrey & Sussex
- NIHR Research Delivery Network – South-East South East | NIHR RDN
- Health Innovation Kent, Surrey and Sussex Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex – Transforming lives through innovation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT)
SPTF provides specialist mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services across South East England, supporting adults, children and young people in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. SPFT is a member of the University Hospital Association and part of the Sussex Health and Care Integrated Care System.
Research at SPFT
SPFT delivers research across the full pathway, from study design and delivery to embedding findings into clinical practice. Our dedicated Mental Health and Dementia Research Delivery Team includes professionals from medical, psychology, nursing and allied health backgrounds. We also have a well-equipped Research Unit for clinical assessments and secure storage of investigational medicinal products.
We are committed to inclusive and accessible research. We actively reach out to patients, carers and communities to ensure diverse voices are represented and that research opportunities are visible across the Trust. Our aim is to bring research directly to people where they receive care, fostering meaningful involvement and collaboration.
SPFT Commercial Research Trial Expertise
SPFT has extensive experience delivering commercial and non-commercial clinical research, including Phase II–IV pharmaceutical studies. The Dementia Research Unit, established in 2006, has delivered around 50 Phase II–IV studies and has a strong record of recruiting to target and meeting delivery milestones. We currently support complex interventional studies, including intravenous infusion trials, and are recognised for high-quality commercial research delivery.
Our portfolio includes interventional and observational studies delivered through site-based, decentralised and remote models, using methods such as clinical assessments, surveys, interviews and focus groups.
SPFT Research Partners
As well as working in partnership with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, we also work in collaboration with:
- Sussex Health and Care Research Partnership
- Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
- Centre for Dementia Studies
- Research Engagement Network
- Joint Clinical Research Office
