The CRDC was launched by Dr Simon Constable UHNM chief executive and patient Malcolm Scovell, who is taking part in myeloma research at UHNM.

 Dr Constable said: ‘We know that research-active organisations deliver better outcomes for patients, and that's why research sits right at the heart of UHNM's strategy. It's absolutely right that we pursue research at all times in every area of care and there is no type of research that is out of our reach.

‘Our goal is to make UHNM truly research-inclusive, where every speciality and every healthcare profession has the support and opportunity to take part in research that excites them and benefits their patients. We also want every patient to have access to the latest research and innovation no matter their condition.'

Funded through government investment, the North Midlands CRDC forms part of a UK-wide initiative of 21 CRDCs to improve the NHS's ability to deliver high-quality research while improving health outcomes.

The event was attended by partners from Keele University and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, who were joined members of UHNM's Research and Innovation Department.