Newcastle University has secured a further £22 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research to continue its pioneering work in identifying emerging health technologies that can transform care, reduce inequalities, and build a more resilient health system.
The five-year award, beginning in April 2026, will support the NIHR Innovation Observatory, a world-leading centre for horizon scanning and strategic intelligence that informs national health and social care policy, guides investment, and accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge innovations.
The Innovation Observatory plays a vital role in strengthening the UK’s health system by delivering early insights into transformative technologies. These include:
- Quantum sensing, AI, bio-engineering, and wearable tech
- Child HealthTech devices to improve access and affordability
- Rapid genomics for point-of-care diagnostics
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring
- 3D printing for organ regeneration
- Remote monitoring and rehabilitation wearables
Professor Dawn Craig, Director of the NIHR Innovation Observatory, commented:
“We are delighted to have been successful in this competitive funding award. The award will further enhance our ability to turn data into rapid, actionable insights - driving smarter decisions, faster innovation adoption, and deeper collaboration with industry and national partners.
“By strengthening our analytical capabilities and fostering cross-sector partnerships, we are not only looking to improve care but also to play a role in positioning the UK as a global leader in health tech and innovation-driven growth.”
This latest funding will allow the Observatory to:
- Advance world-leading horizon scanning tools
- Build capacity and capability across the health ecosystem
- Expand cross-sector international collaboration
- Support SMEs, charities and investors with timely data and insights
The Observatory will work closely with key government departments, including the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as well as regional stakeholders, charities, and inward investors.
This investment reinforces the UK Government’s long-term commitment to horizon scanning as a strategic tool for planning the future of health and care, ensuring the UK remains a global leader in life sciences, driving competitiveness, innovation and economic growth.
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