4 November 2026
"Through the alliance, we can build collaborations that turn discoveries into better prevention, earlier diagnosis and more effective care"
The University of Sunderland is the latest organisation to join a health alliance of leading organisations that advances health research and innovation and delivers benefits for communities and the economy in the North of England.
The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) brings together research-intensive universities, NHS organisations and health innovation networks across the North to strengthen health research and innovation, support collaboration and attract investment. The University of Sunderland’s applied, ambitious and inclusive research is designed to tackle societal challenges and deliver impact locally, nationally and internationally.
The University’s particular strengths include drug discovery and development, the use of big data for health intelligence, applied nursing and care research, and economic and social inclusion. Its health research spans areas including rare-disease treatment, cancer-screening inequalities, obesity and bariatric care, military and veteran health, women’s health, out-of-hospital care, and the use of artificial intelligence and big data for more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Through membership of the NHSA, the University will connect these strengths with pan-northern programmes and expert networks, creating new opportunities to share knowledge, build partnerships, raise the profile of northern research and innovation, and strengthen the North’s collective voice with policymakers and investors.
The partnership will also support interdisciplinary working between researchers, NHS organisations, industry, policymakers, central government and local authorities.
Professor Matthew Campbell, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University of Sunderland, said: “Joining the NHSA gives us an opportunity to connect Sunderland’s strengths in discovery science, clinical care and population health with expertise across the North.
“Our research starts with the health priorities of Sunderland and communities across South of Tyne, bringing researchers together with patients, NHS services, businesses and civic partners. Through the alliance, we can build collaborations that turn discoveries into better prevention, earlier diagnosis and more effective care, while attracting investment and supporting skilled careers in the region.
“We want the benefits of that work to reach those facing the greatest health inequalities, with learning and innovations that can make a difference across the North and beyond."
Hannah Davies, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance, said: “We are delighted to welcome the University of Sunderland to the NHSA. Its strengths in applied health and care research, drug discovery and social inclusion will add valuable expertise to our alliance.
“By working together across the North, the NHSA can build stronger collaborations, increase our impact and help ensure that excellent research delivers better health and prosperity for our communities.”