Newcastle University Secures £22 Million to Drive Health Innovation and Horizon Scanning
Newcastle University has been awarded £22 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)to advance its pioneering work in identifying and promoting emerging health technologies that can transform patient care, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen the NHS.
The five-year funding, beginning in April 2026, will support the NIHR Innovation Observatory, a world-leading centre for horizon scanning and strategic intelligence. The Observatory provides early insights into cutting-edge technologies, guiding national health policy, informing investment decisions, and accelerating adoption of innovations across health and social care.
Transforming healthcare through early insights
The Innovation Observatory identifies technologies poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery, including:
- Quantum sensing, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering
- Wearable health and rehabilitation devices
- Child HealthTech innovations improving access and affordability
- Rapid genomics for point-of-care diagnostics
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring
- 3D printing for organ regeneration
- Remote monitoring and digital health tools
Professor Dawn Craig, Director of the NIHR Innovation Observatory, said:
“We are delighted to receive this competitive funding award. It strengthens our ability to turn data into actionable insights, supporting faster adoption of healthcare innovations and smarter decision-making across the NHS.”
“By enhancing analytical capabilities and fostering partnerships across industry, academia, and government, we aim to improve care, drive economic growth, and position the UK as a global leader in health technology and innovation.”
Strengthening the UK health ecosystem
The new funding will enable the Observatory to:
- Advance world-leading horizon scanning tools for early detection of transformative technologies
- Build capacity and expertise across the UK health and care ecosystem
- Expand cross-sector and international collaborations
- Support SMEs, charities, and investors with timely data and actionable insights
The Observatory will work closely with government departments, including the Department of Health and Social Careand the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as well as regional stakeholders, charities, and inward investors.
Driving global leadership and economic growth
This investment highlights the UK Government’s commitment to strategic horizon scanning as a tool to plan the future of health and care. By identifying emerging health technologies early and accelerating their adoption, the UK aims to remain a world leader in life sciences, boosting competitiveness, fostering innovation, and supporting economic growth.
Professor Craig added:
“Our goal is to translate early intelligence into real-world impact—helping the NHS, health tech companies, and patients benefit from the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs.”
The NIHR Innovation Observatory continues to play a vital role in shaping the UK’s health technology landscape, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, digital health, and life sciences research.
