Making the UK the best place in the world to deliver commercial clinical research

The CRDC UK Network strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in commercial clinical research.

Bringing together 35 CRDCs embedded in primary, secondary and specialist healthcare settings, the Network is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry. Together, we provide industry with fast, reliable and consistent trial delivery at scale.

The CRDC UK Network helps industry partners bring studies to the UK more easily, makes it simpler for more people, from more communities, to take part in health and care research, and ensures that new treatments are available more quickly.

About the CRDCs

The first 21 CRDCs were established in April 2025 to enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery in the UK.  These centres are experienced in commercial clinical trials and cover a range of healthcare settings and clinical areas. A further 14 CRDCs have been added to the Network in November 2025 based in GP surgeries and community settings. They are all key to boosting the global competitiveness of the UK and contributing to the health and wealth of the nation.

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    Build capacity for commercial contract research, with dedicated staff and facilities to deliver studies.

  • Icon of three people silhouettes behind three stars on a green circle background, symbolizing ratings or teamwork.

    Provide access to a network of commercially active sites with gold-standard set-up times and performance.

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    Support decentralised clinical trials, enabling delivery in smaller hospitals, GP practices and community settings.

  • Increase inclusion in research, ensuring that people from all eligible communities, including those living with the greatest burden of disease, have the opportunity to take part in trials.

Role of the CRDC UK Network

Established in September 2025, the CRDC UK Network coordinates activities across the UK’s CRDCs, providing national leadership, alignment and strategic engagement. By working together, the Network enhances capacity, consistency and efficiency across all centres.

Key objectives:

  • Provide single ‘front door’ to the CRDCs for rapid advice, set-up, and delivery of inclusive commercial trials

  • Encourage collaboration and integrate best practice across CRDCs, the NHS, and wider NIHR infrastructure

  • Use data-driven decision making for equitable feasibility assessments and site selection

  • Expand the UK’s commercial trial capacity and expertise

What the CRDC UK Network offers

  • A coordinated UK-wide infrastructure for commercial research delivery

  • Consistent, high-quality set-up and delivery of industry-sponsored clinical trials

  • Access to the UK’s diverse patient population through the NHS

  • A single point of contact for industry, with support from NIHR’s central commercial research team

  • A UK-wide proactive database of future research participants

Future development

This is the first stage in the development of the CRDC UK Network website. Over the coming months, these pages will grow to provide:

  • Practical guidance for sponsors on how to work with the CRDC UK Network

  • Key performance data on trial set-up and delivery

  • Case studies showcasing impact and successful collaborations

  • A directory of centres and their capabilities

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