University of York Leads £31 Million Initiative to Transform Adult Social Care Research

University of York Leads £31 Million Initiative to Transform Adult Social Care Research

(IN BRIEF) The University of York has assumed a leading role in advancing adult social care research, with Professor Yvonne Birks becoming the first director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research (SSCR) based outside London. Backed by a historic £31 million NIHR investment, the SSCR will focus on addressing urgent challenges in social care, enhancing well-being, and reducing inequalities. The University, part of the SSCR since 2009, will collaborate with new members from Yorkshire universities and long-standing partners to deliver impactful, accessible research. Professor Birks aims to strengthen partnerships across the sector, ensuring research improves services and lives, while NIHR leadership lauds the SSCR’s contributions to national policy and workforce development.

(PRESS RELEASE) YORK, 18-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of York has taken a leading role in addressing the pressing challenges in adult social care, as Professor Yvonne Birks assumes the position of Director at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research (SSCR). This marks a significant moment as Professor Birks becomes the first director of the SSCR based outside London, signaling a shift towards greater regional involvement in social care innovation.

The SSCR, a national collaboration dedicated to advancing research in adult social care across England, will benefit from an unprecedented £31 million investment from the NIHR over the next five years. This funding, the largest in the School’s history, will support research aimed at improving services, addressing inequalities, and enhancing well-being for those who rely on and deliver social care services.

Professor Birks emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The establishment of the SSCR was a groundbreaking step by the NIHR to prioritize social care research when it was barely acknowledged on the national agenda. Today, this substantial new investment reflects the growing recognition of its importance. My focus as Director will be on fostering strong partnerships with service providers, those who draw on social care, and the wider research community. Our ultimate goal is to ensure our research leads to tangible improvements in people’s lives.”

The University of York, which has been part of the SSCR since its inception in 2009, will now oversee this pivotal phase in social care research. Additionally, three Yorkshire universities—Sheffield, Leeds, and Leeds Beckett (in partnership)—will join the SSCR for the first time, further enhancing the region’s representation. They join a network that includes long-standing members such as the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which led the School for the past 15 years.

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at York, highlighted the significance of this milestone, saying, “This new phase for the SSCR reflects York’s proven expertise in applied health and social care research. By leveraging our partnerships and collaborations, we are positioned to deliver evidence-based solutions to some of the most urgent challenges in social care. This aligns with our mission as a university dedicated to the public good.”

The SSCR’s research will address a wide range of topics, from end-of-life care to services for individuals with disabilities and those living with physical or mental health challenges. Building on its strong foundation, the School will aim to deliver impactful, accessible research that supports policy and practice.

Professor Birks, who brings over 25 years of experience in health and social care research and a professional background in nursing, has been an NIHR Senior Investigator and Associate Dean for Research at York’s Faculty of Social Sciences. Her expertise focuses on social care for older adults, particularly self-funding individuals. She will lead the SSCR through its next phase until 2029.

NIHR Chief Executive Professor Lucy Chappell praised the SSCR’s impact, noting, “The School has played a vital role in advancing social care research, influencing national policy, and supporting the development of researchers in this field. This next phase will build on that success, strengthening the evidence base to improve the lives of people who rely on social care, their carers, and the workforce.”

York’s leadership in social care research, alongside initiatives like the NIHR-funded Curiosity Partnership, underscores its commitment to addressing critical societal issues. As the SSCR enters this transformative chapter, it aims to solidify its role as a national and regional hub for innovation and collaboration in adult social care.

Media Contact:

Shelley Hughes
Deputy Head of Media Relations (job share)
Tel: +44 (0)1904 323918
shelley.hughes@york.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of York