About us

We improve people’s health by researching mental, respiratory and orthopaedic disorders, investigating how diet and physical activity impact wellbeing and evaluating new surgical procedures.

At the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Bristol (NIHR BRC: Bristol) we improve people’s health by bridging the gap between discovery science and advanced trials and treatment. We conduct:

  • First in human studies
  • Pilot and feasibility trials
  • Methodology development
  • Large-scale data analyses.

In particular, we research mental, respiratory and orthopaedic disorders, investigate how diet and physical activity impact wellbeing, and evaluate new surgical procedures. We also use detailed genetic and molecular data, and analyse large-scale datasets from records collected during routine NHS care. Our work draws on Bristol’s expertise in developing interventions to improve the health of patients and the public.

By understanding what causes diseases, we can develop and test new treatments. By predicting how diseases are likely to develop, we can also find better ways to prevent them.

Our research approach

We have organised our research into five themes, across 13 workstreams. For more information and examples of current projects, go to our research page.

Across all our research and partnerships we work:

We are also investing in the next generation of researchers through a comprehensive training and capacity development programme.

Part of a bigger network

Our centre is one of 20 National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centres (NIHR BRCs) across the UK, focusing on early phase translational research and experimental medicine. The NIHR BRC: Bristol  is hosted by Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) in partnership with the University of Bristol. We also work with other NHS, academic, charity and commercial organisations. See Partnering in health research for more about the NIHR BRCs and our partnerships.