For Researchers

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The NIHR Cambridge CRF delivers early phase experimental medicine and clinical translational research, including industry-collaborative and industry-contracted studies in all health specialties.

We have developed long-standing relationships with many campus research teams, supporting the development of their ideas from proof-of-concept studies through to clinical translation, commercialisation and regulatory approval. Innovations such as alemtuzumab therapy for multiple sclerosis, the artificial pancreas for treatment of diabetes and the Cytosponge device for diagnosis of oesophageal pre-cancer and are amongst the many life-changing advances made possible through our facility.

Discover more about our Research Facilities and Teams Discover more about our Industry and Partnerships
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Cambridge CRF team reviewing a study

Pre-application Enquires

If you are interested in running a study at one of our facilities, please contact us to discuss your needs first before applying formally. We are very happy to offer preliminary meetings and tours. We can help with assessing feasibility, advising on costs and navigating the regulatory landscape.

All studies require a local Principal Investigator and named clinicians who will provide medical cover.

To discuss your study, please contact:

For NIHR Cambridge CRF, our Director of Operations via CRF Enquiries email.

For Heart & Lung Research Institute (HLRI) CRF, the HLRI-CRF Operations Manager via hlri.crf@nhs.net 

For general enquiries about our facilities please contact our Business and Operations Manager via CRF Enquiries email.

Study Application Process

The Cambridge Clinical Research Centre (CCRC) is the overarching organisation that includes all of our clinical research facilities, including the Heart & Lung Research Institute (HLRI) CRF. The CCRC Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) reviews all research applications. The SAB convenes monthly, on the first Thursday of the month; the dates and deadlines for submission are shown below.

To register a new application, please download and complete our application form and send it to:

For NIHR Cambridge CRF   cuh.ccrc.applications@nhs.net

For HLRI-CRF hlri.crf@nhs.net

We will require a study protocol and as much other supporting documentation as you have available at this stage. Before the study starts we will require evidence of approval by an ethics committee, the MHRA (if applicable) and confirmation of capacity and capability from the CUH R&D office.

Once your submission has been discussed at the SAB, you will receive written notification of the outcome within a week.

Application Form User Guidelines Useful Links
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Scientific Advisory Board Meeting Dates

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Submissions Date

13 November 2025
11 December 2025
15 January 2026
12 February 2026
12 March 2026
09 April 2026
13 May 2026
11 June 2026
09 July 2026
13 August 2026
10 September 2026
08 October 2026

SAB Meeting Date

04 December 2025
08 January 2026
05 February 2026
05 March 2026
02 April 2026
07 May 2026
04 June 2026
02 July 2026
06 August 2026
03 September 2026
01 October 2026
05 November 2026

Communicating your Research

NIHR Statement and Acknowledgement

​When communicating your research through research publications, conference posters or presentations or via other means, it is important to include full and accurate attribution to the organisations that fund and support the underpinning research so they can be reported to funders and beyond. We request that you use the following statements.

For further guidance, please send an email to cuh.ccrcpublications@nhs.net

Statement (Including Funder and Disclaimer)

This is a summary of independent research funded by [name of research funder] and carried out at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Cambridge Clinical Research Facility (CRF). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the [name of the research funder], the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

Acknowledgement only (for use within a broader set of acknowledgements/disclaimers)

The research was carried out at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Cambridge Clinical Research Facility (CRF).

Publication Reporting

In our annual reports to the NIHR we are obliged to include outcomes from work conducted in our CRF.

Please send details of all peer-reviewed publications, other outputs and impacts to: cuh.ccrcpublications@nhs.net

Policies

The CCRC applies the Research and Development policies and procedures of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which are available on the CUH website.

The CCRC Operational Policy can be viewed or downloaded via this link.

Cambridge Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is the largest, single site NIHR CRF. It is located in the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe.

The NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility (CRF) is part of the NIHR and hosted by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Privacy Policy

Accessibility

Contact Us

NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility
Cambridge Clinical Research Centre
Keith Day Road
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
CB2 0SL

01223 254642

Email: cuh.crfenquiries@nhs.net