We cover all aspects of the UK Clinical Research Collaboration pipeline from underpinning research to health services policies and systems by conducting biological, psychological and economic research, complex clinical trials and economic evaluations in complex interventions for acute conditions and in the rehabilitation and management of long-term conditions. Our research makes a significant contribution to scientific understanding, informs the agendas of major research organisations and the direction of government policies and underpins the development and delivery of patient care in the UK and across the world.
All the latest news and press releases covering research activity in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences....read more
Information on current research projects, including study details, key contacts and funding bodies.
Find out more about the continuing impact our research activity has within the global healthcare community.
Contact details and profiles for members of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences....read more
Specialist areas
Biomedical sciences
Our work focuses on determining the molecular basis of the interactions between the cells and microbiota in our bodies and how they affect health and disease. Our major research interest focuses on understanding how pathogens exploit cells to cause and spread disease with a particular interest in gut microbes.
Clinical sciences
Our work focuses on translational medical research building on the strengths of biological and pharmacological research within UEA and across the Norwich Research Park. There is a strong emphasis on clinical trials to underpin our key research areas, which are:
- Cardiovascular research;
- Gastroenterology, microbiology and the development of new antibiotics;
- Metabolic bone disease and rheumatology;
- Respiratory diseases.
Research units
Health economics
Our work is organised around the central theme of the economics of decision making (by individuals, practitioners and policy makers) in health and health care. We also undertake economic evaluations alongside clinical trials and lead studies to improve economic methods or apply them in specific fields where we have expertise. Our key research interests are in:
- Benefit valuation and individual decision making;
- The political economy of health and care, including public health economics;
- Resource measurement and cost valuation.
Research unit
Nursing sciences
Research is focused in three areas: urgent care systems and access to care (clinical and cost effectiveness of triage systems, evaluation of new models of care, improving access to care, end of life care); wellbeing in older age (adult protection, quality of care, dementia care) and in mental health. Methodological expertise is in systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and mixed methods research including qualitative approaches which explore service user perspectives.
Research unit
Nutrition
Our work focuses on contemporary public health problems in the UK, including conditions related to obesity, chronic diseases that are responsive to diet, and nutritional issues associated with the ageing population. Research spans from fundamental mechanistic studies to intervention and community based studies.Our key research interests are in:
- Micronutrient requirements for optimal health;
- Bioactivity of phytochemical metabolites.
Research unit
Psychological sciences and mental health
Research is focused on interventions to tackle significant problems associated with mental and physical health and well-being using a range of methods, including laboratory based cognitive experimental research and clinical studies. This includes:
- Adult mental health, including psychosis, anxiety and depression, admission prevention and inpatient care;
- Vulnerable groups including those with acquired brain injury, learning disabilities and cognitive problems including dementia;
- Treatment and prevention of mental health problems in children and young people, including early intervention;
- Physical comorbidity in severe mental illness and depression as a comorbidity of long term conditions;
- Crisis treatment, adherence to treatment and protected engagement time.
Research unit
Public health and health services
We use a variety of primary research methods as well as evidence synthesis to evaluate: quality of services; access and equity in provision; relevance and appropriateness to the needs of individuals and communities; effectiveness and efficiency of health services, as well as how services are experienced. Key research interests include:
- Health promotion and health technologies;
- The organisation and delivery of care;
- Patients’ experience of illness and health care;
- Patient-professional communication.
Research units
Rehabilitation
Our work addresses the ‘whole person’, enhancing human health and functioning. We have specific expertise, and a proven track record, in conducting clinical trials in complex interventions for acute conditions, rehabilitation and management of long-term conditions. Our key research interests are in:
- Stroke and Rehabilitation;
- Interventions for healthy ageing;
- Musculoskeletal health;
- Physical activity for health.
Research unit
We have substantial strengths in biomedical sciences; nutrition; clinical sciences; epidemiology and public health; health economics; health services research; psychological sciences and mental health; rehabilitation and nursing sciences Today our Faculty holds more than £25 million in external research funding across more than 150 live research projects. The funders of our research include the UK Research Councils, the European Commission and the UK’s National Institute for Health Research.
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 78 per cent of our research was assessed as being of international standing and 37 per cent as world leading or internationally excellent.
The research strategy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences encourages and supports work across the Faculty and capitalises on the strengths in each of the three Schools: the Norwich Medical School, the School of Allied Health Professions, and the School of Nursing Sciences. Members of the Faculty also work closely with other researchers and scientists across the University and across the member organisations of the Norwich Research Park, an internationally recognised centre of research excellence.
