Health Innovation Research Alliance NI

Strengthening Research, Regulation, and Patient Access in Northern Ireland

This month we hear from Mark Grumbridge, Head of Clinical Investigations, MHRA.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) plays a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring that medicines and medical devices in the UK meet robust standards of safety, quality and performance. As part of this mission, the MHRA has recently strengthened its presence in Northern Ireland – an important step that reflects both the region’s unique regulatory position and its growing potential as a centre for clinical research and innovation.

Northern Ireland operates within a distinctive regulatory environment, where aspects of European Union legislation continue to apply alongside UK frameworks. While this dual system can present complexity for researchers and sponsors, it also offers a significant opportunity – particularly for those seeking to generate evidence that supports access to both UK and EU markets. Strengthening the MHRA’s presence locally allows us to better support stakeholders navigating this landscape and ensure that regulatory oversight remains both proportionate and accessible.

From my perspective as Head of Clinical Investigations, this is an important development. Regulatory systems work best when they are not only rigorous, but also visible and engaged. By being closer to the research community in Northern Ireland, we are better able to understand emerging challenges, respond more effectively, and support high-quality clinical investigations from the outset.

Canada Patent

Congratulations to Belfast based company Fusion Antibodies who have announced a notice of allowance of patent in Canada.

Fusion are specialists in pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply for both therapeutic drug and diagnostic applications.

The Company’s mission is to enable biopharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to develop innovative products in a timely and cost-effective manner for the benefit of the global healthcare industry.

The Company was established in 2001 as a spin out from Queen’s University Belfast.

Health Scientists
Apply before 13th July! Round five of the Healthcare Scientists Knowledge Transfer Partnership (HCS KTP) is now open!

The HCS KTP Programme offers a unique opportunity for healthcare scientists from across the UK to build long-term partnerships between clinical, research and industry teams at leading centres of excellence in science and technology.

Find Out More & Apply Here

Digital Mental Health

A new opportunity to shape the future of digital mental health and substance use support is now live.
The SUMIT Project (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – European Funding, and has officially launched its Digital Products procurement, seeking innovative partners to develop scalable, digitally enabled solutions across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Led by Queen’s University Belfast, with Digital Health Innovation (DHI) driving the digital workstream, this programme is focused on co-designed, impactful solutions that reduce inequalities and improve access to care. If you’re developing digital health solutions, get in contact.

Apply Here

Young Academy

Applications are now open to become a member of the UK Young Academy.

Apply before 3pm (BST) on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to become part of a growing network of early-career innovators, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs, and provide a voice for the advancement of issues that are important to them.

Find Out More

MS Management

Join a free in-person innovative event for healthcare professionals exploring women’s health, lifestyle and self-management in multiple sclerosis.

Find Out More

Research Partnerships

Join an in-person full day workshop on Tuesday 29th September 2026 focusing on the practical ways to involve patients, carers and the public as partners (PPI) in the research process.

Deeptech

Delivered by STFC in collaboration with BBSRC, the DeepTech Catalyst Bio supports early-stage companies to grow and de-risk their journey to market.
The programme offers an excellent support package inclusive of up to £50k targeted R&D funding and a £10k innovation voucher.
If this looks like the perfect opportunity for you and your Bio Tech business, add these key dates to your diary ⬇️
18 June – Register today – https://lnkd.in/eXXsWKCq

16 August – Expression of Interest deadline. Bookmark the form – https://bit.ly/ApplyDTCBio

18 September – Application Deadline

Lego Foundation

The LEGO Foundation has opened applications for a new global research fellowship aimed at early- and mid-career researchers whose work advances the understanding of how children thrive in diverse and challenging environments.

Administered by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), the fellowship offers up to ten researchers USD 300,000 over three years to pursue relevant research. Applications are open to 31 July 2026.

Future Leaders

The Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme are accepting outline applications to the joint Postdoctoral Award.

This funding opportunity is aimed at supporting capacity building to support future leaders in efficacy and effectiveness clinical trials research. All proposals submitted must fall within the scope of the EME Programme OR the HTA Programme or an overlap of the 2. Applicants must fulfil the requirements for an NIHR Postdoctoral Award.

Please note the closing date for applications is 12 August 2026

Read Next

Sign Up to our Newsletter

Footer Newsletter Form