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Driving Collaboration

Civic Partnership: Driving Collaborative Initiatives Between Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust 

The partnership between Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust is a shining example of how academic and healthcare institutions can work together as anchors in North East London, to address societal challenges, advance medical research, and improve the lives of local communities.  

The collaboration between Queen Mary and Barts Health NHS Trust has deep historical roots, stretching back to their founding institutions and evolving into a robust partnership that continues to grow today. This shared journey reflects a commitment to serving East London’s diverse communities through education, enabling economic growth, healthcare, and research. We aim to address  key priorities that our residents and communities in East London have identified:  (1) address health inequalities, including  disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes between different groups; (2) improve access to healthcare, prevention and wellbeing services; (3) community engagement that is authentic and representative; (4) recognise and improve social determinants of health; and (5) focus on interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by different demographic groups. 

Our Shared Vision 

The partnership is underpinned by shared principles of equity and collaboration. To ensure that both parties can contribute effectively and benefit equally, the partnership emphasises full inclusivity and community engagement, transparency through open communication and regular updates, mutual respect, equitable resource distribution, shared decision making and full accountability to address any issue is addressed promptly and fairly.  

 

Together, Queen Mary and Barts Health strive to leverage their combined strengths in education, research, innovation and clinical practice to create meaningful impact. These efforts are guided by a commitment to: 

  • Ensuring equitable access to healthcare and education for all communities in East London. 
  • Investing in local talent and resources to drive innovation and sustainable growth. 
  • Addressing systemic health inequalities through collaborative initiatives. 
  • Action that supports the economic growth of our local community 

 By fostering innovation, investing in local communities, and addressing systemic health inequalities, the partnership exemplifies the power of civic responsibility in advancing societal well-being and working jointly to achieve our goals of local economic development and enhanced patient benefit.  

Examples of this dynamic collaboration include: 

Joint Research Management Office 

The Joint Research Management Office is a unique cornerstone of this partnership, providing seamless management and governance for clinical and academic research projects for both organisations. Staffed by both Queen Mary and Barts NHS trust staff it ensures compliance, efficiency, manages joint funding and support for researchers, enabling groundbreaking studies that benefit patients locally and beyond. 

Life Sciences 

This initiative brings together expertise in precision medicine, genomics, and data science to tackle major health challenges. Through collaborative innovation, it focuses on translating research into personalised treatments for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. 

Biomedical Research Centre 

As a hub for translational research, the Biomedical Research Centre, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care research (NIHR), accelerates the journey from scientific discovery to patient care. The Biomedical Research Centre harnesses Queen Mary’s academic excellence and Barts Health’s clinical strengths to develop cutting-edge therapies and diagnostics. 

Funding from Barts Charity 

In collaboration with Barts Charity, the partnership drives projects addressing local health inequalities. These include flagship initiatives, including a new Clinical Research Facility at the Royal London Hospital and many other initiatives to improve access to healthcare services, community outreach programs, and targeted interventions for underserved populations. 

Academic Centre for Healthy Ageing 

This centre, based at Whipps Cross Hospital in Waltham Forest, focuses on understanding the biological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to healthy ageing. Collaborative research aims to develop strategies that enhance the quality of life for an ageing population, ensuring longevity with dignity. 

 

Value Added by the Partnership 

This partnership delivers significant value not only to Queen Mary and Barts Health but also to the residents and communities of East London. It fosters innovation and economic growth, drives social mobility, and creates a sustainable impact by addressing the region’s unique challenges. Together, these institutions: 

  • Enhance health outcomes and reduce disparities in healthcare access. 
  • Generate cutting edge knowledge and innovation that leads to patient benefit to our communities and around the world. 
  • Provide pathways for education, training, and employment for local residents. 
  • Build community trust through outreach and engagement initiatives. 

 Through this longstanding and evolving partnership, Queen Mary and Barts Health NHS Trust continue to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving positive change for communities, advancing research, and fostering equitable growth across East London and beyond. 

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