What are we doing?
In 2020, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) commissioned work to identify the barriers to research in local authority setting. As a result, a number of roles were created across the UK to address some of these barriers, with the aim of increasing research culture in this context. Dr Ifeoma Onyia, Director of Public Health in Halton, is our lead.
In Cheshire & Merseyside, our focus is on developing and facilitating communication between public health and academic staff, as well as building links with the community across our programmes of work including All Together Fairer.
We are also part of the North West Research Group that was set up in 2024, Co-chaired by Dr Ifeoma Onyia. They also deliver a range of learning events. If you would like to join the North West Research Group, please contact Michelle.Halfpenny@dhsc.gov.uk directly.
Other organisations who can assist with research collaborations and proposals:
NIHR Research Design Service North West provides advice and on all aspects of research design for those planning to submit for funding to support applied health or social care in the North West of England. If you are planning to submit a proposal, you can request advice via their website here.
The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC NWC is part of the NIHR and hosted by the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB in partnership with the University of Liverpool. NIHR ARCs are regional collaborations between organisations that undertake applied health and care research. ARCs support applied health and care research that responds to the needs of local populations and health and care systems. For more information: NIHR – Applied Research Collaboration | North West Coast
Leadership
DPH Lead
The Director of Public Health lead for the Public Health Research Hub is Dr Ifeoma Onyia
More information
Current funding opportunities
Details are available here