The Institute for Preventative Health Research
The Institute for Preventative Health Research (IPHR) is a pioneering virtual hub for collaboration, driving prevention-led transformation in healthcare.
Co-ordinated by the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), it brings together nine NHS hospitals and twelve universities in the North of England to accelerate research and innovation in preventative health.
Mission: To mobilise NHSA members to lead the transition to a prevention led health system.
Vision: To add five healthy years to life expectancy in the North and to reduce health inequalities between socioeconomic groups by 30% in the North of England.
By tackling the root causes of ill health and promoting prevention, the IPHR aims to deliver:
- Improved health outcomes for communities.
- Economic benefits through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.
- A stronger, more resilient health and life sciences sector in the North.
Impact so far
The Northern Health Science Alliance launched its proposal to establish the IPHR in February 2025.
Announced as one of five ‘gamechanger’ policy propositions at the Convention of the North, the IPHR proposal was supported by the steering group of the Convention, including the northern combined authority Metro Mayors.
Our prevention work has been featured extensively across major media outlets, reaching audiences in the millions across the globe.
Policy Impact
Our work is making an impact where it matters most. We have been cited in Parliament more than 30 times, shaping debates across a wide range of policy areas.
We’ve contributed evidence and insight to government consultations and select committees – helping to inform decisions at the highest levels.
Case study:
The removal of the two-child benefit cap
Research highlights from our members
Read examples of prevention work from our 21 NHS Trust and University alliance members.
Coming soon
Northern Health Science Alliance reports and research
Our reports have brought together academics and researchers from our alliance to highlight the North’s health issues, making recommendations to all levels of public service.
NHSA reports have shown:
- Worse health outcomes and a persistent North–South divide
- High levels of obesity and food insecurity among children
- Diet-related disease and poor nutrition are major contributors to ill health –
- Higher risk from ‘Deaths of Despair’ (alcohol, drugs, suicide)
- Older people in the North experience more health inequality
- Long Covid disproportionately affects northern communities
Read our report to find out more: https://www.thenhsa.co.uk/our-publications/
Read our full proposal for the Institute
The NHSA, working closely with the Mayor of South Yorkshire, brought together a range of northern health and policy leaders to shape the development of the IPHR.
Prevention Projects
The TransPennine cardiovascular disease collaborative
March 2026
The TransPennine collaborative, convened by the NHSA includes the University of Leeds, University of Liverpool and Newcastle University. Together with eight other UK universities, selected to take part in the consortium, the national group will generate evidence and innovative solutions that deliver improved detection and monitoring of undiagnosed or poorly managed hypertension and high levels of bad cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). They aim to save thousands of lives and reduce inequalities.
Academy of Medical Sciences Cross Sector Collaboration Hub
January 2026
The NHSA hosts the academy’s cross sector regional collaboration hub for the North of England. As part of this programme we will be supporting researchers, clinicians and industry to develop new collaborations to develop new solutions to the challenge posed by the shift to prevention.
Contact us to find out more
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