The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory (GIAM) at the University of West London (UWL) is helping to shape how research is delivered across the capital, as part of the newly established NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) London.
The London ARC, backed by £22 million of government funding, brings together NHS trusts, universities, and other expertise from across the capital to tackle some of the UK’s most pressing health and social care research priorities.
Translating evidence into practice
ARC London will provide high-quality health and social care research and support the translation of evidence into practice, playing a critical role in making sure research delivers real-world improvements in health and care for patients, communities, and the public.
GIAM’s Professor Rowan Myron and Professor Laura Lennox have been appointed as ARC London Co-Leads for Knowledge Mobilisation and Implementation, respectively. Their work focuses on closing the gap between academic evidence and clinical practice, ensuring research insights are translated directly into frontline NHS services and social care settings.
Refining care pathways
A core element of this approach will be embedding specialised Knowledge Mobilisation fellows directly within local healthcare organisations. This model is demonstrated by GIAM’s Fellow, Dr Sophie McFarland. Sophie is a Research Dietitian combining clinical expertise with lived experience, collaborating with primary care teams across Northwest London to refine care pathways for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and support the development of regional Women’s Health Hubs.
This work reflects the collaborative approach across UWL, bringing together expertise from GIAM and the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare (CNMH) to help bridge the gap between research and practice and deliver lasting benefits for healthcare teams and local communities.
Professor of Healthcare Improvement Rowan Myron said:
“We are very excited to be working with our partners across London to mobilise knowledge into practice and ensure all our patients across our region are receiving the best evidence-based care and supporting our clinical colleagues in the NHS to provide cutting edge excellent care.”
Executive Director of GIAM and Professor of Medical Sociology Katie Featherstone said:
“We are incredibly proud that GIAM is a partner in the NIHR Pan-London ARC. This is a significant achievement and a strong recognition of the quality and impact of our work here at GIAM. Being a part of this collaborative research infrastructure funding gives us a strategic opportunity to build on our successes, strengthen our collaborations across London and supports our commitments to translating and mobilising research into meaningful health and social care improvements for our local communities.”
