Our research

The National Institute for Health and Care Research HealthTech Research Centre in Devices, Digital and Robotics (NIHR HRC-DDR) supports the translation of new healthcare technologies safely, effectively and efficiently into routine care for NHS patients and follow-on social care.

Our core themes of Medical Devices, Digital & Data, Robots & Autonomous Systems, and cross-cutting themes of Human Factors & Usability, Health Economics & Value Proposition, and Regulations, cover the major areas of unmet need in the translation of health and social care technologies.

Research Themes

1
Medical Devices

2
Digital & Data

3
Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Cross-Cutting Themes

Human Factors & Usability Testing

Health Economics & Value Proposition

Regulations

Working within these themes, the NIHR HRC Devices, Digital and Robotics will:

• Build capacity for HealthTech research in the NHS
• Identify unmet clinical needs with patients, clinicians  and community partners
• Seek solutions from industry to address needs
• Develop and test technologies equitable for all
• Generate evidence required for regulatory approval and adoption
• Ensure research is informed by patients and public, aligned to national strategies for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and sustainability
• Support regional and national growth collaborating to bring new technologies to market