Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Research Centre Officially Launches in Truro

New £3.5M Cornwall and Isles of Scilly CRDC officially launches in Truro

A brand new Cornwall-based research facility promising to transform access to cutting-edge medical studies has officially opened this week.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) was launched at a high-energy event in Truro attended by more than 70 guests. The event brought together NHS staff, academic partners, board members, healthcare leaders and innovators for an inside look at the new facilities and what they could mean for the future of health and care across the region.

Part of a national network

The CRDC is one of just 15 centres of its kind in England and is backed by a significant £3.5 million investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The funding will be delivered over seven years, with the aim of making cutting-edge medical research more accessible to people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The centre is hosted by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and supported by 25 NHS provider partners, including GP practices, community hospitals and integrated services.

For the first time, patients in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly will be able to take part in clinical trials without having to travel far or leave the county.

“A game-changer for our communities”

Bianca Mills, Head of Research & Development, said:

“This is a game-changer for our communities. The CRDC will at least double the number of research opportunities available across Cornwall, empower more people to be part of the future of medicine, and help bring world-class treatments and innovation directly to their doorstep.”

The launch event included behind-the-scenes tours, an opening ceremony and a series of presentations outlining the ambition behind the new centre.

Boosting Cornwall’s research profile

The centre is expected to not only increase access to trials and therapies but also raise Cornwall’s national research profile and attract further investment into the region.

With the infrastructure now in place and the programme already gaining momentum, the CRDC is being seen as a key player in building a more research-active, forward-thinking health and care system for Cornwall and future generations.