Report reveals impact of Greater Manchester’s COVID-19 research response

Greater Manchester’s crucial contribution to the groundbreaking research which has helped turn the tide on COVID-19 has been outlined in a new report. 

The 2020/21 Strategic Impact Report (.PDF) has been published by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research (CRN) Greater Manchester. 

The brochure demonstrates how the region, including Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and East Lancashire, has played a significant part in the development of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics which are already allowing millions of people to be safely tested, treated, and protected from the virus.  

It documents how Greater Manchester has, in many cases, led the way in the country’s research response to the pandemic - with GM investigators heading-up national research programmes, and GM research teams recruiting UK-leading numbers of participants to urgent COVID trials. 

The report also shows how Greater Manchester has continued to carry out research into other disease areas and, after unavoidable pandemic-enforced disruption, is the best-placed region in England in terms of the number of studies open and enrolling participants. 

Sarah Fallon, CRN GM Chief Operating Officer, wishes to thank everyone in the Greater Manchester health and care system - and the 80,000 local participants who have taken part in studies for all disease areas in 2020/21 - for their contribution. 

She said: “If the true value of health and care research was ever in doubt, then the past 15 months have demonstrated its transformational impact in no uncertain terms. Research has turned the tide on COVID-19 and it’s with great pride I can say that Greater Manchester has played a key part.

“The strides made over the past year present us with real opportunities as we continue to deliver research into the evolving threat of coronavirus but also to restore studies across all other disease areas. 

“With your help, we can ensure Greater Manchester makes the most of these opportunities and continues to provide a choice for our local community. You will find in this report how you can #BePartOfResearch. Whether it’s working in research or taking part in it, there are many ways to get involved and we need your help.”

Read the full report (.PDF). (accessible pdf)