Edge Hill University has cemented its position at the forefront of health and life sciences research by becoming the newest member of the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA).

The alliance is a pan-northern partnership which brings together leading universities and NHS trusts recognised for their excellence and impact in the health and life sciences sectors.

The NHSA works with its members, industry partners, and government to harness the North’s strengths for the good of its people and its economy. It drives this mission by connecting researchers, cultivating expert networks, securing investment, and championing a single, influential voice for the region’s health research ecosystem.

Edge Hill University, which is based in Ormskirk in the North West of England, joins 20 other research-intensive institutions within the NHSA membership.

The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine and the interdisciplinary Health Research Institute make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of the community with a keen ambition to:
address health inequalities;

• improve care for people with an increased risk of poor health;
• support children, young people and pregnant women;
• improve outcomes for the public, patients and service providers in relation to long-term conditions like musculoskeletal and mental health;
• shape and support a sustainable workforce.

By working collaboratively with families, carers, charities, advocacy networks, local authorities, businesses and health and social care organisations, the University creates transformational education, professional development and research and innovation.

Professor Jeremy Brown, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Northern Health Science Alliance. This provides Edge Hill with a fantastic opportunity to work collectively across the North of England with other leading universities and NHS trusts to provide a northern voice to influence government and policymakers.

“Membership also provides us with the networks to bid, competitively and at scale, for external funding and to develop industry-research partnerships. Through the NHSA we will expand our research-led contribution to the modernisation of health and social care which fully meets the needs of people and communities and the aspirations of professionals.”

As a member of the alliance, Edge Hill will play an active role in shaping and contributing to the NHSA’s pan-northern programmes and expert networks, tapping into expertise from across its member organisations. Together, these initiatives are accelerating progress in critical areas including nutrition, data and AI, diagnostics and medtech, research and innovation, workforce challenges, mental health, child health, healthy ageing, and reducing health inequalities.

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive Officer at the NHSA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Edge Hill University to the NHSA. Strengthening collaboration across the North is essential if we’re to unlock the full potential of our region and bringing in a research‑rich institution like Edge Hill adds real depth to our collective capability. By working together, we can accelerate innovation, attract greater investment, and deliver meaningful benefits for people and communities across the North.”