NIHR External Advisory Board - Appendix

External Advisory Board (EAB) Appendix

2 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 1. NIHR Exeter BRC Objectives and Progress Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Deliver coordinated BRC launch

Finalise board contracts, Terms of Reference; establish meetings; complete recruitment.

Leadership continuity ensured with new COO; recruitment and governance completed; collaboration agreement executed; Board terms finalised; strategy developed; all roles filled.

Green

Plan and implement the BRC launch strategy.

Agree launch strategy with partners and finalise communications, events plans.

Built strong foundations, launched the BRC, expanded NHS partnerships, and strengthened links with communities, PPIE, industry, and charities.

Green

Develop and publish the BRC PPIE strategy.

Draft strategy prepared and discussed with relevant parties.

The PPIE Strategy received NIHR approval in 2023 and has since been implemented.

Green

Recruitment

Schedule funding panels; advertise fellowships.

Ran funding panels with clinical and PPIE input; completed recruitment of fellows; strengthened leadership pipeline.

Green

To conduct a mid-term review

Conduct Year Three strategic review

Completed mid-point review in 2024/25 and remain on track for full review by end of 2025/26.

Green

Double high-quality impact case studies.

Double REF impact case studies from eight to 16.

Impact progressing strongly with major media coverage, funding wins, awards, and leadership achievements.

Green

Increase commercial engagement

Review progress annually; mean number of commercial studies starting per annum to have doubled and/or to have doubled commercial income by year 5

Supported multiple spin-out, licencing and patent initiatives, scaled up our rate of external engagement and our partnerships, and launched the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative.

Green

Double number of clinical trials

Annually review CRF and LCRN-SW portfolios.

CRF Director joins Management Board; key roles, clinician appointments, and RRDN engagement boost BRC capabilities, trials, and collaboration.

Green

Double the number of externally funded studies

Regularly review UoE HESA returns and BRC application outcomes

Monitoring ensures HESA returns and BRC applications exceed targets; recruitment, training, and initiatives like grant-writing retreats strengthen academic capacity and capability.

Green

To support at least 15 PhD students through to completion.

Monitor PhD research, targeting 80% completion by September 2027.

Supporting 21 BRC (fully or joint) funded PhD students, developed BRC cohorts, leveraged studentships, aided fellows’ opportunities. Supporting a wider network of 230+ PhD students across our research themes.

Green

Support external fellowships

Monitor pre-fellowship research

BRC support enabled researchers to build research capacity and leadership.

Green

To plan the next cycle of the BRC

Develop and implement plans for NIHR BRC renewal

Prepared for theme expansion by funding emerging areas and partnering with UoE Faculty to create supportive roles.

Green

|3

Appendix 1A. NIHR Reporting Glossary and Calculation Methods Industry Collaborative: Collaborative research involves multiple partners pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise to jointly address a research challenge, sharing risks, intellectual property, and costs, often also involving public funding.

Industry Contract: Contract research is a fee-for-service arrangement where an organisation pays for research to solve a specific problem with defined deliverables, usually resulting in the funder owning the intellectual property.

Costs are privately funded by the organisation, generally at commercial rates.

Calculation methods Leveraged funding calculations form part of the annual report requirement from NIHR. The request is for each project in set-up, ongoing or closed at any point within the reporting period (April to March) and receiving financial support via the NIHR Infrastructure award (e.g. through salary support for staff, use of the NIHR Infrastructure’s facilities or direct project funding) to be returned. Data is gathered from the University and all partner NHS Trusts to demonstrate the broad geographical scope of our BRC theme researchers.

Where projects span multiple years, de-duplication has occurred to ensure that figures reported here for 2022-2025 do not double-count income.

4 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 2. Theme Objectives and Performance Appendix 2A. Clinical Mycology Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

CF and severe asthma cohorts set up for fungal study

Set up two cohorts with sampling plan

Cohorts and approvals are in place; recruitment began March 2025. Six samples collected; target is 20 per cohort, with longitudinal sampling. Meetings and a fungal clinic support ongoing collection.

Green

Feasibility study of zinc supplementation to prevent rVVC

Feasibility study in place by April 2024

Progress was delayed by regulatory issues and lack of a UK-registered zinc gel.

A related 76-participant study was supported. The rVVC feasibility study is complete; ~70 samples analysed for PRA1 and cytokines, with analysis ongoing.

Green

Collect samples Year 2–3 and perform phenotypic and genotypic analyses of fungal isolates.

Collect samples Years 2–3 and analyse fungal isolates phenotypically and genotypically.

200 samples with clinical data and 360 genital swabs from 90 participants were collected. Due to data limitations, outcomes from the BRC-supported CandiRes study are proposed as a substitute, supporting the clinical mycology theme’s overall objectives.

Red

Assess pulmonary fungal infection prevalence in chronic lung disease.

Screen 50 patients/ group with samples and outcomes.

Approval delays and slower recruitment may reduce targets to ~20-30 per cohort. Blood and airway samples, plus patient-reported outcomes, are being collected to support immunoprofiling and assess fungal infection impact.

Amber

Impact of fungal infection on lung physiology in asthma and CF.

Compare lung responses in asthma and CF patients.

A PhD studentship was submitted to strengthen capacity. NIHR funding expands Amber infrastructure, with exercise testing and SpiroNose systems detecting airway infections, building on Objective 1 samples, and forming part of a BRC-funded pump priming project 2026.

Define risk profiles and biomarkers for pulmonary aspergillosis.

Complete immune profiling to define risk profiles.

Approvals are in place, and recruitment of chronic lung disorder patients for BAL has begun. Immunoprofiling uses BAL fluid and 35-colour flow cytometry, targeting 20 patients per cohort to detect significant differences.

Green

Implement combination antifungal therapy proofof-concept study.

Complete in vitro studies; start proof-ofconcept.

An MRC Programme Grant supports extending antifungal utility via resistanceminimising regimens. Lab work includes Candida identification, MIC testing, hetero-resistance profiling, and in vitro microevolution, contributing to publications, WP3, and conference presentations.

Green

Proof-of-concept study of novel or repurposed antifungal agents

Advance a drug discovery candidate to proof-of-concept study.

Work has progressed toward proof-of-concept. Two publications are forthcoming, and a Wellcome Trust Discretionary Award (£17M; £2.2M to Exeter) will support novel antifungal drug development in collaboration with a drug discovery unit and GSK.

Green

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Appendix 2B. Diabetes Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Build infrastructure for diagnosis, treatment response & progression

Obtain coded, cleaned longitudinal data from ≥200,000 patients.

Developed dataset of 1,140,877 records, including a 771,678-person diagnosis cohort; enabling precision diagnostics and supporting a five-drug treatment model under evaluation in India.

Green

Enable home-based biomarker collection for diagnostics.

Validate C-peptide, autoantibodies, HbA1c, and genetic tests using patientcollected capillary blood.

Demonstrated that 10 ng DNA from capillary blood is adequate for diagnostic testing; integrated into Monitor My Health kits. Ongoing work improving safety and sample preparation (including filter-paper methods in Africa).

Assess neonatal diabetes screening using glucose at day

Measure glucose in over 5,000 neonates to determine false positive rate.

Patent-pending assays used to screen >5,000 neonates at Portsmouth. Falsepositive rate established; publication pending. Regulatory and financial models in development.

Develop multi-modality tool for monogenic diabetes

Publish and release integrated diagnostic model combining clinical features and autoantibodies.

Developed and validated integrated clinical/biomarker tool, available via the MODY calculator and adopted in general practice through SPCR collaborations.

Establish at least 3 T1D subtypes

Publish a characterisation of discrete subtypes of Type 1 diabetes, including clinical & immunological features and biomarkers.

Identified five subtypes (ages 6 months–18 years) based on histology, onset age, C-peptide and mechanisms. Showed T1D can occur <6 months and secured charity funding for genetic risk score work.

Green

Use routine data to guide T2D prescribing

Publish validated probabilistic model and guidance for elderly and multi-morbid patients.

Developed five-drug model using CPRD Aurum; validation underway in India.

MRC Development Pathway award supporting translation to medical-device software and GP feasibility testing.

Green

Determine glucose impact of different exercise types in T1D

Publish evidence on glucose response during and after exercise and develop educational approaches.

The Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes EXTOD delivering training across eight centres in Wales; 600 participants reached. Developed GlucoseGo to predict exerciserelated hypoglycaemia risk.

Green

Develop genetic risk test for T1D

Introduce validated, easy-to-use T1D susceptibility test for UK ancestries and publish results.

Randox GRS validated in US and India; African studies are ongoing. Now available in the UK to support diagnosis and distinguish T1D vs T2D.

Amber

Green

6 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 2C. Neurodegeneration Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Screen patient-derived cell lines to identify functional and genomic outcomes and match compounds for repurposing trials.

Advance six repurposing candidates, prioritising antidepressants for dementia, into clinical trials by Years 3–5.

Identified multiple dementia drug-repurposing candidates through improved microglia models, multi-omic profiling, and iPSC-derived neurocell platforms.

Delphi project shortlisted three lead treatments now progressing toward trials, with further candidates emerging from transcriptome and epigenetic analyses.

Green

Identify cfDNA and exosome biomarkers for early neurodegeneration.

Develop cfDNA assays with epigenetic barcodes to detect brain cell–specific signals in blood and test them in early cognitive impairment patients.

Developing cfDNA and exosome biomarkers for early neurodegeneration, validating phenserine as a repurposed drug, and scaling efforts through larger studies and potential commercialisation.

Green

Detailed phenotyping of high-risk individuals.

Phenotyping of high-risk individuals to track preclinical changes in carriers of neurodegenerative disease–associated mutations and variants.

Progress has been made in phenotyping high-risk individuals, with analyses complete and publications in preparation. Studies in APOE4 PROTECT, GBA cohorts, and collaborative work on TREM2 and APOE2 variants are uncovering early dementia markers, protective factors, and potential treatment targets.

Green

Deliver targeted behavioural interventions for high-risk genotype carriers.

Deliver targeted behavioural interventions to 25,000 high-risk participants from the PROTECT and Exeter10,000 cohorts.

Behavioural interventions for high-risk genotypes are advancing, with promising beetroot and Vitamin D trials, ongoing PROTECT and Long COVID studies, and upcoming CBD and shingles vaccine trials to prevent cognitive decline.

Green

Complete proof-of-concept trials of repurposed compounds for neurodegeneration.

Complete three proof-of-concept trials

by Year 3.

Three proof-of-concept trials, including Fasudil, Phenserine, ALS EXPERT, and COBALT, are underway, with PROTECT GBA profiling and a beetroot RCT supporting pilot and precision-medicine interventions.

Green

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Appendix 2D. Genetics and Genomics Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Variant prioritisation pipelines

Establish core bioinformatics capacity with ≥2 validated pipelines

Outputs: prostate cancer signatures, cortical transcriptomes; multi-omics (LRS, Riboseq, iCLIP); new LRS tools (splicing analysis, Shiny app) enable additional diagnoses in Genomics England patients.

Green

Partnership with Geisinger

Produce joint publications and dissemination

Exceeded: partnering with NIH All of Us, leveraging 415,000+ whole-genome sequences.

Green

Rare disease outcomes

Publish phenotypic profiles of newly identified rare disorders

20 novel genes published; NHS R14 analysis (>2,000 cases) ongoing; DDD study (>4,000 children) influenced clinical management.

Green

Long-read DNA sequencing benefits

Report on diagnostic improvements from LRS

£2M NHS/industry-supported projects with leading sequencing providers; development of diagnostic long-read/long-range sequencing pipelines with commercial partners including ONT, PacBio and Illumina. ONT and PacBio approaches currently being ISO1589 accredited to deliver rapid, diagnoses for critically ill children and increase diagnostic yield for rare disease patients (improved variant phasing, detection and characterisation).

Green

Genomic variant interpretation guidelines

Develop new evidence-based guidelines

ACGS, BSGM and CGG NHS guidelines published, improved reporting guidance for incomplete penetrance.

Green

DNA methylation pipeline

Publish protocol & bioinformatic code for nanopore DNA modification

High-depth CRC datasets; new variant-calling pipeline; neural cell DNA modification maps; cfDNA biomarkers for local trials including ExpertsALS.

Green

Mosaic variant detection

Publish protocol & open-source code

UMI sequencing of 87 cases found 21 low-level mosaic pathogenic variants (validated by ddPCR); confirms mosaicism as key cause.

Green

Non-coding variant pipeline

Implement diagnostic tests in NHS Genomic Medicine Service

Only NHS lab offering whole-genome sequencing; non-coding variant pipelines enable rapid diagnoses; collaborative SpliceAI analyses.

Green

Develop genetic or genomic methods for patient stratification

Develop clinically applicable protocols

Focus has broadened to other cancers, enhancing inherited cancer care via early detection, prevention, guideline creation, and research using the National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register.

Green

IBD pharmacogenetics

Publish beta-testing results

NUDT15 variant penetrance/pathogenicity informs 2025 CPIC guidelines; evaluated LAMP-based near-patient test.

Green

8 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 2E. Rehabilitation Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Establish multidisciplinary network.

Establish patient–clinician forum, run workshops, pilot tests, finalise protocols.

A network of 80+ experts drives innovation in movement science and rehabilitation, producing CE-marked devices, trials, publications, and fostering patient involvement and commercial–academic partnerships.

Green

Complete clinical trials of optimal gait-training strategies in Parkinson’s.

Develop interventions to reduce freezing of gait and complete Phase I/II trials in people with Parkinson’s disease.

The VSimulator Parkinson’s UK study was published (J Rehabil Med), with ongoing Gait Q trials and commercial translation, including first sales of a queuing device improving mobility for Parkinson’s patients.

Green

Complete experimental surgical trials to conserve and enhance muscle.

Test interventions to preserve muscle during hip replacement, including protein supplementation feasibility.

HIPSTER and Knee4Life trials are on track, NIHR Duality hip study completed recruitment, protein supplementation trial shows promise, and new PhD and Bristol BRC collaborations underway.

Green

Set up a joint project with neurodegeneration theme.

Partner with PROTECT on neurodegeneration and mobility research project.

BRC-funded PhD, ERC students, and postdocs advance falls-prevention research; secured additional Dunhill PhDs and EPSRC funding; collaborations with PROTECT, Active Aging OPAL trial, and PPI-led sandpit event underway.

Green

Finalise proof-of-concept studies for fall prevention

Co-develop innovative mobility products.

Mobility decline interventions advance with predictive models, AI-based falls studies, and intelligent walking aids; strong HRC links support PhDs and NIHR applications; Good Boost and AI rehab games implemented and validated.

Green

Validate tool predicting mobility decline and falls in real-world settings.

Validate mobility and falls models.

Protocol development nears completion with BRC support; new digital outcome measures and biomarkers embedded in mobility cohort study; recruitment of ~200 participants planned; collaboration with Thames Valley ARC explores patient perspectives.

Green

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Appendix 3. Academic Career Development (ACD) Objective:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Appoint fellows and PhD students by Year 3

Targets exceeded: 12 Senior Investigators, 11 Translational Fellows, 11 Mid-Career Fellows, 21 PhD students appointed.

Green

Pump-prime novel research (£150k per theme)

All themes awarded £150–200k via pump-priming grants (2023–24).

Green

Disseminate funding opportunities and support

Funding shared via newsletter and PIVOT-RP; grant support, PPIE cafés, mentoring, and NIHR writing retreat delivered.

Green

Identify training and development needs

Monthly cohort meetings and 6-monthly reports informed targeted training (conference skills, interview excellence).

Green

Build industry, SME and charity collaborations

Active engagement with SMEs, AstraZeneca, MDC, and diagnostics partners; BD infrastructure strengthened.

Green

Strengthen NHS Trust academic pathways

ICA Programme leadership, INSIGHT programme delivery, and regional workforce network engagement achieved.

Green

Leverage external funding and PGR capacity

Additional PhD funding secured; pump-priming leveraged major NIHR and charity awards.

Green

Embed EDI in workforce development

Inclusive recruitment practices enhanced; assessment criteria improved; HDR UK Black Internship partnership established.

Green

Support career development across roles

£46k invested in training; strong mentoring culture; leadership and data science capability strengthened.

Green

Identify and support commercial opportunities

Increased spinout activity, patents, ICURe engagement, and drug repurposing pathways supported.

Green

Support healthcare staff academic careers

£180k Pre-Application Support Fund delivered; Clinical Academic Training Hub launched; IAT places increased.

Green

Build inclusive research culture

Seminar series, cohort meetings, structured inductions, and first annual BRC Symposium launched.

Green

Engage underserved SW Peninsula regions

Regional events in Exeter, Cornwall, and Somerset; inclusive outreach increased participation.

Green

Deliver Pre-Application Support Funding

Three rounds completed (9awards); cohort-based model embedded.

Green

10 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 4. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Objective:

To achieve this, we committed to:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Embed PPIE at the heart of research activities across the BRC

To establish a coordinated, BRC-wide approach to PPIE

Maintained strong PPIE visibility across BRC events, supported over 30 researchers through one-to-one advice, and delivered co-produced training, including lay summary workshops and contributions to the ARC PPIE Summer School.

Green

Ensure the sustainability of PPIE at the CRF

Support and expand CRF-led PPIE training and collaborations, strengthening

CRF and BRC PPIE leads meet regularly to coordinate collaboration, contribute to regional NIHR PPIE groups, and delivered the third joint BRC/CRF Lay Day in October 2025, uniting public contributors across both infrastructures.

Green

Improve PPIE through collaboration with other local NIHR Centres and infrastructure

Build strong regional and national PPIE partnerships, enabling shared opportunities, joint projects, and NIHR collaboration.

Maintain strong regional PPIE partnerships across NIHR infrastructure, develop a multi-organisation joint working group, expand membership, and strengthen coordination through university networks to support information sharing and collaborative delivery.

Green

Develop a supportive environment enabling researchers at all career stages to confidently deliver PPIE and sustained engagement.

Identify PPIE training needs, support early integration, expand programmes, and encourage participation.

Provide tailored PPIE advice, attend BRC inductions and theme days, develop iterative online guidance, and deliver co-created training reaching over 250 researchers.

Green

Involve groups under-represented in PPIE and under-served by research from across the South West

Establish an inclusive BRC involvement group through targeted outreach, flexible engagement, and demographic review.

A core BRC PPIE group is established with diverse older members, while targeted recruitment continues, supported by enhanced team expertise in inclusive, trauma-informed and creative engagement.

Green

Bring the work of the Centres to the public

Co-develop public materials, share best practice, sustain CRF outreach, and expand the Lay Day into a joint showcase.

Established a community-facing group to promote research involvement, co-delivered training with public collaborators, and developed interactive outreach activities with themes for rural and coastal events.

Green

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Appendix 5. Research Inclusion 5.1 Research Inclusion Objectives Objective:

Which we have progressed by:

RAG Status

Inclusive PPIE

Core PPIE group established.

Green

Deliver inclusive, accessible engagement events

Delivered/participated in broad outreach.

Green

Maintain and expand links to widening participation initiatives

Active engagement with STEM Beyond Boundaries and UoE Widening Participation/National Scholars; Devon Healthcare Hub and Community Exeter partnerships established, with plans to widen WP reach for 2025 work experience.

Green

Build relationships with schools/colleges with high proportions of underserved learners

Attendance at UoE careers fairs; colleges engagement via INSPIRE (promotion ongoing; public engagement strand newly launched); clinical academic workforce promotion via nursing/AHP events; continued development of targeted school/college relationships across the peninsula.

Green

Representation in outreach teams and rolemodelling (incl. workforce diversity)

Ensured ≥50% women in outreach representation; continued efforts to strengthen representation from other under-served, groups, acknowledging regional demographics; role-modelling embedded in work experience and events.

Green

Internships and work experience (UoE schemes)

Annual placements delivered; partner relationships maintained; feedback and improvement actions.

Green

Mentorship for interns/work experience participants

Interns assigned mentors; for work experience week, structured theme-led input provided (rather than formal mentors), with optional follow-up support offered.

Green

EDI governance embedded

EDI working group established; public collaborators represented on governance/working groups.

Green

Build BRC community

BRC seminar series established (every 6–8 weeks) showcasing awardee progress + networking lunch; public seminar series launched. Events across SW.

Green

Bespoke training + career development

Delivered post-doctoral writing retreat; interview skills training; PPIE training; workshops at launch; entrepreneurship/ commercial training developing.

Green

Training needs identification and tailored delivery (ACD)

Monthly PhD/fellow check-ins plus 6-monthly reporting inform training; commissioned training delivered (e.g., Confidence at Conferences).

Green

Mandatory EDI training for panels

Emphasise potential (reducing reliance on prior opportunities); targeted outreach strengthened; feedback collected and used to improve processes; EDI training included in recruitment guidance.

Green

Equitable recruitment processes

Inclusive interview guidance and adjustments embedded.

Green

Deliver Pre-Application Support Funding

Three rounds completed (9awards); cohort-based model embedded.

Green

12 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

5.2 Research Inclusion Data from Events Data for event attendees has been gathered since November 2025 and reflects only the most recent events we have held.

Declared Disability

Ethnicity

Prefer not to say White - English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Ireland or British No

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0%

20%

40%

Religion

60%

80%

100%

120%

Total

Prefer not to say

Prefer not to say

Male - Gender identity the same as sex registered at birth

No religion

Female - Gender identity the same as sex registered at birth

Christian

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

| 13

Sexual Orientation

Age Ranges

55-64 Gay or lesbian 45-54 Straight or heterosexual

35-44 25-34

Prefer not to say 18-34

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

0%

10%

Legal Partnership Status

20%

30%

40%

50%

Employment Status

Prefer not to say

Not in employment (eg. retired, carer, student)

Never married and never registered a civil partnership

Employed parttime (Less than 30 hours per week)

Married: Same sex

Employed full-time (30+ hours per week)

Married: Opposite sex 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

14 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 6. Theme Leads Professor Clive Ballard

Professor Gordon Brown

Clive is joint Neurodegeneration theme lead and psychiatrist. He leads Europe’s largest dementia trials, translating research into drug discovery, prevention strategies, and improved care for people living with dementia.

Gordon is co-theme lead for Medical Mycology at Exeter BRC and Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology. He researches C-type lectin receptors in antifungal immunity and leads international programmes.

Professor Emma Baple

Professor Helen Dawes

Emma is joint Genetics & Genomics theme lead and Professor of Genomic Medicine. She leads rare disease research, translating genetic discoveries into improved diagnostics and treatments, and directs the NHS South West Genomic Laboratory Hub.

Helen is joint Rehabilitation theme lead and Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation. She develops and translates personalised, scalable rehabilitation innovations, collaborating internationally with academia, industry, clinicians, and the public to improve movement outcomes.

Professor Inês Barroso

Professor Andrew Hattersley

Inês is joint Diabetes theme lead. She is an expert in human genetics of diabetes and obesity, leading the MAGIC consortium and translating genomic discoveries into understanding disease mechanisms.

Andrew is joint Diabetes theme lead and Gillings Chair in Precision Medicine. He leads international research on monogenic diabetes, translating genetic discoveries into improved clinical care while working as a consultant physician.

Neurodegeneration Theme Lead c.ballard@exeter.ac.uk

Genetics & Genomics Theme Lead e.baple@exeter.ac.uk

Diabetes Theme Lead ines.barroso@exeter.ac.uk

Clinical Mycology Theme Lead gordon.brown@exeter.ac.uk

Rehabilitation Theme Lead h.dawes@exeter.ac.uk

Diabetes Theme Lead a.t.hattersley@exeter.ac.uk

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Professor Sallie Lamb

Professor Caroline Wright

Sallie is joint lead for the Rehabilitation theme and a globally recognised expert in ageing, disability, clinical trials and rehabilitation research, leading work that strengthens healthcare evidence, improves practice and translates high-quality research into better outcomes for older people and people with disabilities.

Caroline is joint Genetics and Genomics theme lead and Professor of Genomic Medicine. She specialises in interpreting rare genetic variants and translating genomics into healthcare, and was elected FMedSci in 2025.

Rehabilitation Theme Lead s.e.lamb@exeter.ac.uk

Professor Jon Mill

Neurodegeneration Theme Lead j.mill@exeter.ac.uk Jonathan is Professor of Epigenomics and leads the Complex Disease Epigenomics Group at Exeter. His team studies molecular variation in the brain, focusing on neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Professor Adilia Warris

Clinical Mycology Theme Lead, Director of Training (ACD Lead) a.warris@exeter.ac.uk Adilia is joint Clinical Mycology theme lead and leads academic career development. She is a professor of paediatric infectious diseases, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, and a consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Genetics & Genomics Theme Lead caroline.wright@exeter.ac.uk

16 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 7. The Team

Professor Sallie Lamb

Sandy Beer

Dr Karolina Jaworek

Professor Adilia Warris

Professor Yinghui Wei

Professor Paul Francis

Dr Matt Anderson

Emma Glaeser

Lucy Hodges

Claire Rosslee

Justin Stahley

Dr Kristin Liabo

Jess Smith

Zoe Foster

Helen Smith

Catherine Johns

Rebeka Sultana

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Name

Role

Area

Key Responsibilities

Professor Sallie Lamb

BRC Director; Rehabilitation Theme Lead

Strategic Leadership

Overall accountability to NIHR; strategic direction; budget oversight; delivery of objectives; joint leadership of Rehabilitation

Sandy Beer

Chief Operating Officer

Senior Management

Strategic and operational leadership; delivery planning; partnership coordination

Senior Management

Day-to-day operations; governance and reporting; coordination across themes and core functions

(on maternity leave until Dec 2026)

Dr Karolina Jaworek

Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover until Dec 2026)

Professor Adilia Warris

Director of Training (ACD Lead); Clinical Mycology Theme Lead

Training & Themes

Academic career development strategy; training delivery; leadership of Clinical Mycology

Professor Yinghui Wei

Academic lead for Data Science

Research Support

Informatics group lead, representation at national level data meetings

Professor Paul Francis

Industry and Innovation Lead

Innovation & Industry

Industry engagement; innovation strategy; commercial partnerships and translation

Dr Matt Anderson

Commercial Lead

Operational Team

Patents, licences, spin-outs; industry partnerships; commercial income

Emma Glaeser

Research Finance Administrator

Finance

Financial monitoring; reporting; compliance

Lucy Hodges

Training Manager and Research Inclusion Lead

Operational Team

Training delivery; research inclusion strategy; monitoring and metrics

Claire Rosslee

Reporting and Research Manager

Operational Team

NIHR reporting; performance monitoring; impact tracking

Justin Stahley

Communications Officer

Operational Team

Communications, engagement, and dissemination

Dr Kristin Liabo

Patient and Public Involvement Lead

PPIE

Strategic leadership of PPIE

Jess Smith

PPIE Engagement Manager

PPIE

Delivery of PPIE activity; community engagement

Zoe Foster

PPIE Engagement Officer

PPIE

Operational support for involvement activities

Helen Smith

PPIE Administrator

PPIE

Administrative support for PPIE

Catherine Johns

Public Representative

Governance

Member, BRC Management Board

Rebeka Sultana

Public Representative

Governance

Member, BRC Management Board

18 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

The Leadership Team The BRC is led by an experienced, multidisciplinary leadership team drawn from across the University and NHS partnership, providing strategic direction, strong governance, and operational oversight. The team brings together academic, clinical, and professional leadership with complementary expertise in translational research, experimental medicine, health data, clinical trials, and patient and public involvement.

Sandy Beer

Chief Operating Officer (on maternity leave until Dec 2026)

Professor Paul Francis

Industry and Innovation Lead

Dr Karolina Jaworek

Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover until Dec 2026)

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Professor Sallie Lamb

Professor Helen Quinn

Dr Kristin Liabo

Professor Adilia Warris

Director, Rehabilitation Theme Lead

Patient and Public Involvement Lead

Professor Angela Shore Head of BioResource

Research and Development Director, Royal Devon University Hospital

Clinical Mycology Theme Lead, Director of Training (ACD Lead)

20 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 8. Core Facilities and Infrastructure Supporting the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Sequencing Facility (High Throughput and Long Read Sequencing) The University of Exeter Sequencing Facility is a core platform providing comprehensive, end to ‑end next ‑generation sequencing services to support discovery, translational and clinically aligned research. Capabilities include whole ‑genome, whole exome,‑ and targeted sequencing; bulk and single ‑cell ‑RNA‑seq; epigenomics and metagenomics; and longread sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technologies. High ‑throughput Illumina platforms enable population ‑scale studies and rapid turnaround for time critical applications.

Embedded bioinformatics expertise‑ supports experimental design, data processing and integrative ‑multi‑omic analysis. Sequencing infrastructure is closely linked to NHS genomic diagnostics through collaboration with the Exeter Genomics Laboratory and the South West Genomic Medicine Service, enabling direct translation of research outputs into clinical diagnostics, including nationally commissioned rapid sequencing pathways for acutely unwell children. www.exeter.ac.uk/research/facilities/sequencing/

Exeter Centre for Cytomics

Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre (MGNC)

The Exeter Centre for Cytomics is an ISO certified core facility providing advanced single cell and tissue level analysis capabilities central to experimental medicine and translational biomarker discovery. Capabilities include high parameter spectral flow cytometry, high performance cell sorting, imaging cytometry, tissue cytomics and multiplex molecular assays. The facility supports deep immunophenotyping, rare cell analysis and functional cellular assays, with expert support for experimental design and high dimensional data analysis.

The Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre is a TRAC defined, state of the art clinical imaging facility located on the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Wonford site and forms a cornerstone of the BRC’s human experimental medicine capability. It provides advanced MRI and PETCT capability, including functional and quantitative MRI, MR spectroscopy, and molecular PET imaging. MGNC supports in vivo phenotyping, biomarker development, and evaluation of therapeutic response, and is fully integrated with clinical services and experimental medicine studies.

www.exeter.ac.uk/research/facilities/cytomics/

www.exeter.ac.uk/research/facilities/mgnc/

Bioimaging Facilities

NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility (CRF)

Advanced bioimaging platforms provide high resolution light microscopy, live cell imaging and quantitative image analysis. These facilities support mechanistic studies at cellular and tissue scales and integrate with cytomics, genomics and preclinical models to enable multilevel biological insight.

The NIHR Exeter CRF is a long established, high performing experimental medicine facility providing dedicated clinical research space, specialist equipment, and highly experienced research nurses and clinicians. It supports complex physiological studies, early phase trials and patient focused experimental medicine research, and hosts the NIHR BioResource Centre Exeter for longitudinal cohort recruitment and deep phenotyping.

www.exeter.ac.uk/research/facilities/bioimaging/

https://exetercrfnihr.org/

| 21

Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) Building The RILD Building provides the physical and operational hub for clinical research on the Royal Devon Hospital campus, housing the Clinical Research Facility alongside blood laboratories, sample processing and shared laboratory space. This co-location enables rapid transition from patient encounter to laboratory analysis and supports integrated clinical-to-molecular workflows.

A new Illumina NovaSeq X Plus has been installed at the NHS Exeter Genomics Laboratory within RILD, strengthening collaboration between the University of Exeter, the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre and the NHS South West Genomic Laboratory Hub. The first of its kind in an NHS Trust, the system enables near-complete whole-genome sequencing within 24 hours, increasing capacity, reducing costs, and accelerating translational genetic research. The acquisition was supported by a £2.179m investment following a national NIHR funding award. www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/our-sites/rild-building/

VSimulators Facility The VSimulators facility is a platform combining motion capture, force platforms, instrumented treadmills and immersive visual environments to support high precision assessment of human movement and balance.

It supports detailed assessment of gait, balance, postural control and sensorimotor integration, and is central to translational research in rehabilitation, ageing, frailty and neurodegeneration. www.exeter.ac.uk/research/facilities/vsimulators/

Gait and Biomechanics Laboratories Dedicated gait and biomechanics laboratories within Sport and Health Sciences provide high precision assessment of human movement using motion capture, force plates, pressure measurement, and electromyography. These facilities support musculoskeletal, neurological and rehabilitation research and integrate closely with VSimulators and clinical research delivery. https://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/phss/research/ biomechanics/

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CIOS CRDC) The CIOS CRDC is a new NIHR-funded infrastructure designed to expand and accelerate research across county of Cornwall. Hosted by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) and delivered in partnership with Primary Care, Community, Mental Health, Social Care and Voluntary Service Organisations, the CIOS CRDC will ensure the population benefits from access to cutting-edge research opportunities. The CIOS CRDC has been established to grow and sustain a research-active health and care system across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and supports industry-sponsored and commercial studies through a streamlined, collaborative model. https://royalcornwallhospitals.nhs.uk/organisation/ research-and-development/cornwall-and-isles-ofscilly-commercial-research-delivery-centre-cios-crdc/

22 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

MOTEK Platform The MOTEK platform provides immersive virtual reality enabled gait and balance assessment using instrumented treadmills and dynamic visual perturbations. It enables real time analysis of motor control and falls risk and supports experimental and translational studies in ageing and neurological disease. www.motekmedical.com/

Paediatric Lung and Exercise Laboratories Specialist paediatric facilities within Sport and Health Sciences provide child centred respiratory and exercise physiology assessment, including lung function testing, metabolic measurement and cardiovascular phenotyping. Equipment and protocols are specifically designed for children and adolescents, supporting translational research into early life determinants of health and disease. https://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/phss/research/ childrenshealth/

University of Exeter Research Computing and eInfrastructure

GW4 Isambard 3 Supercomputing Partnership

The University of Exeter’s eInfrastructure provides core high performance computing (HPC), secure data storage and research IT services that underpin data intensive and computationally demanding BRC research. The ISCA HPC environment offers a range of traditional, large memory and accelerator nodes, alongside virtualised computing environments, supporting data intensive biomedical research and compliant handling of sensitive health data.

Through the GW4 Alliance (Universities of Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff), Exeter researchers have access to the Isambard 3 national supercomputer hosted in Bristol. Isambard3 is a next generation, energy efficient HPC and AI platform delivering tens of thousands of compute cores and high-throughput storage, enabling largescale genomic analysis, AI driven imaging, multi-omic integration and advanced modelling beyond the capacity of local systems.

www.exeter.ac.uk/research/researchcomputing/einfrastructure/

https://gw4.ac.uk/news/cutting-edge-researchboost-as-gw4-isambard-3-supercomputer-goesonline/

Department of Computer Science Research Computing and Visualisation Departmental facilities in Computer Science provide complementary Linux and macOS computing suites, local HPC nodes and advanced 3D visualisation environments. These support algorithm development, data analysis, visualisation and prototyping, and interface seamlessly with central HPC and national supercomputing resources. https://computerscience.exeter.ac.uk/facilities/

| 23

Clinical Trials Unit (ExeCTU)

Royal Devon Commercial Research Centre

The Clinical Trials Unit provides specialist infrastructure and expertise to support the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of high-quality clinical trials and complex studies. Based at the University of Exeter, ExeCTU works closely with clinical and academic partners across the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre and NHS organisations.

The Royal Devon Commercial Research Centre, previously NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre, demonstrates that as a Trust, RDUH has an ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality commercial research and ensuring more people have access to clinical trials.

ExeCTU offers end-to-end methodological support, including trial design, statistics, data management, health economics and process evaluation, strengthening the delivery of multi-centre and translational studies and enabling robust evaluation of interventions aligned with BRC priorities.

The Exeter BRC’s facilities are united through shared governance, interoperable data systems and strong translational leadership. Together, they enable seamless progression from discovery to patient benefit and provide a robust, future ready infrastructure platform aligned with the BRC’s strategic aims and NIHR expectations. www.exeter.ac.uk/research-centres/clinical-trials-unit/

The Trust’s Commercial Research Centre, located at the Eastern (Exeter) site, works closely with industry partners to set up and deliver a wide range of studies. The 97% participant retention rate reflects the high standards of patient experience provided.

Early-phase trials are supported in the Clinical Research Facility, which is funded by the NIHR. The dedicated professional services team in the Research and Development office support trial set-up through the National Contract Value Review (NCVR) process.

The centre has joined 9 other independent partners to become the South West Commercial Research Group. This brings together acute, community, and mental health NHS Trusts, GP surgeries, and healthcare providers, all working together to increase access to life-changing clinical research. www.swcommercialresearch.nhs.uk/

South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE) The South West Secure Data Environment is a strategic asset and delivery partner for Exeter BRC. By providing secure, well-governed access to linked health and care data, the SDE enables researchers to generate insights while maintaining rigorous standards of privacy and information governance.

Its technical infrastructure, role in convening regional partnerships and specialist expertise complement Exeter BRC’s capacity to undertake complex, collaborative studies at scale. www.southwestsde.nhs.uk

24 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 9. BRC Strategic Partners Category

Key Partners

Host & Academic

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; University of Exeter

Regional NHS Trusts

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust; Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Devon Partnership NHS Trust; Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

NIHR Infrastructure & Networks

Exeter CRF; RRDN; ARC‑SW Peninsula; NIHR Academy; NIHR HTRC (Sustainable Innovation)

NIHR Biomedical & ARC Collaborations

Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, King’s, Oxford BRCs; Thames Valley ARC; HRC Brain Health (King’s)

NIHR Translational Research Collaborations

Dementia; Mental Health; Respiratory; Versus Arthritis MSK; BHF Cardiovascular; SPOC; Infection & AMR TRCs

Commercial & Innovation

Medicines Discovery Catapult; SETsquared; IQVIA; AstraZeneca; AbbVie; Merck; Novo Nordisk; Janssen; Pfizer; Biogen; Takeda; Stryker; Randox; SMEs & spin‑outs

Charities & Voluntary Sector

Alzheimer’s Research UK; Alzheimer’s Society; Parkinson’s UK; Diabetes UK; Cystic Fibrosis UK; Asthma + Lung UK

Data, Informatics & Civic

HDR UK; DPUK; DATA‑CAN; Alan Turing Institute; UK Brain Banks Network; EPIC/MyCare EHR Network; South West Secure Data Environment; Devon, Cornwall, Torbay, Exeter City

Overview of strategic partnerships across academic, NHS, NIHR infrastructure, translational research, commercial, voluntary, data, and civic sectors.

The table summarises the breadth of organisational partnerships supporting the Centre’s research delivery, infrastructure, translation, innovation, and regional engagement.

| 25

Appendix 10. BRC Geography Geographic reach of PPIE activity

Umberleigh

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) events have been delivered across the South West, including Cornwall (Falmouth, Truro), Somerset (Castle Cary, Taunton; with further events planned), and Devon (Exeter, Teignmouth, Honiton, Umberleigh in rural North Devon, Hatherleigh in rural mid-Devon, and Plymouth).

Taunton

Hatherleigh

somerset

devon

Castle Cary

Newquay Honiton Truro

cornwall Teignmouth Plymouth

Falmouth

Paignton

26 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 11. Academic Career Development (ACD) Metrics Table A1. BRC-funded PhD Studentships ID

Cohort

Start Date

Expected Submission Date

Upgrade Passed

Theme

Supervisor

Supervisor’s Career Stage

Student Background: Clinical/non-clinical

PhD/1/EP

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Clinical Mycology

Peter Cook

Research Fellow

Non-clinical

PhD/1/WN

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Clinical Mycology

Elizabeth Ballou

Research Fellow

Non-clinical

PhD/1/SA

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Diabetes

Elisa De Franco

Research Fellow

Non-clinical

PhD/1/TA

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Neurodegeneration

Akshay Bhinge

Lecturer

Non-clinical

PhD/1/MF

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Neurodegeneration

Emma Dempster

Associate Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/1/BB

1

25/09/2023

24/09/2026

Y

Rehabilitation

Owen Tomlinson

Senior Lecturer

Clinical

PhD/2/MA

2

23/09/2024

22/09/2027

Y

Genetics & Genomics

Lettie Rawlins

Clinical Lecturer

Non-clinical

PhD/2/MD

2

23/09/2024

22/09/2027

Y

Diabetes

John Dennis

Associate Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/2/MV

2

23/09/2024

22/09/2027

Y

Genetics & Genomics

Nick Owens

Associate Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/2/ET

2

23/09/2024

22/09/2027

Y

Neurodegeneration

Tom Piers

Lecturer

Non-clinical

PhD/2/LR

2

23/09/2024

22/09/2027

Y

Rehabilitation

Jan Vollert

Lecturer

Non-clinical

PhD/3/NA

3

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

N

Neurodegeneration

Andrew Wood

Associate Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/3/DK

3

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

N

Emerging – Mental Health

Ed Watkins

Research Clinical Psychologist

Non-clinical

PhD/3/HS

3

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

N

Rehabilitation

John Findlay

Consultant Research Fellow

Clinical

PhD/3/AC

3

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

N

Genetics & Genomics

Chris Scotton

Personal Chair

Non-clinical

PhD/3/AT

3

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

N

Rehabilitation

Jan Vollert/Marianne Hollyman

Lecturer/Consultant Research Fellow

Clinical

PhD/4/GK

4

22/09/2025

21/09/2028

N

Emerging - Data Science

Angus Jones

Clinical Scientist & Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/4/VK

4

22/09/2025

21/09/2028

N

Emerging - Data Science

Umesh Kadam

Clinical Academic

Non-clinical

PhD/4/NA

4

22/09/2025

21/09/2028

N

Emerging - Data Science

Karen Knapp

Professor

Non-clinical

PhD/4/JC

4

22/09/2025

21/09/2028

N

Emerging - CTU

Siobhan Creanor

Head of CTU

Non-clinical

PhD/4/LL

4

22/09/2025

21/09/2028

N

Emerging - PPIE

Kristin Liabo

Head of PPIE

Non-clinical

| 27

Table A2. Translational Fellows ID

Theme

Start Date

End Date

FTE

Leveraged Fellowship Status

TF/1/JCK

Diabetes

01/12/2023

01/12/2025

1

Applied - Successful

TF/1/ON

Clinical Mycology

31/03/2024

30/03/2027

1

Application Submitted (Prior to maternity leave)

TF/1/SMH

Rehabilitation

01/04/2024

01/04/2026

1

Application in Preparation

TF/1/MS

Neurodegeneration

01/04/2024

01/04/2026

1

Applied - Successful

TF/1/TP

Neurodegeneration

01/10/2023

01/10/2025

1

Application Submitted

TF/1/GH

Genetics & Genomics

01/04/2024

31/07/2024

1

Applied - Successful

TF/2/LG

Diabetes

01/05/2025

27/03/2028

1

Applied - Successful (Currently on maternity leave)

TF/2/PE

Rehabilitation

01/04/2025

01/04/2027

1

Application in Preparation

TF/2/JS

Clinical Mycology

01/05/2025

01/05/2027

1

Application in Preparation

TF/2/JL

Genetics & Genomics

01/05/2025

01/05/2027

0.8

Applied - Successful

TF/2/RB

Genetics & Genomics

01/05/2025

01/05/2027

0.8

Application in Preparation

Table A3. Mid-Career Fellows ID

Start Date

End Date

Theme

NHS Trust

FTE

Leveraged Funding/Fellowship Status

Target Funder

MCRF/1/JF

30/09/2024

29/09/2026

Genetics & Genomics

RDUH (North)

0.5

Applied - Successful

European Society of Human Genetics

MCRF/1/AMG

06/01/2025

05/01/2027

Diabetes

RDUH (East)

0.5

Applied - Successful

Health Data Research Service

MCRF/1/EC

06/01/2025

05/01/2028

Clinical Mycology

RDUH (East)

0.3

Application Submitted

NIHR

MCRF/1/GA

16/09/2024

15/09/2027

Diabetes

RDUH (East)

0.3

Application in Preparation

NIHR

MCRF/2/KK

01/04/2025

31/03/2027

Genetics & Genomics

St George’s

0.5

Applied - Successful

Breast Cancer Now

MCRF/2/AG

09/06/2025

08/12/2027

Rehabilitation

RDUH (East)

0.3

Other - delayed

MCRF/2/PM

01/04/2025

30/09/2027

Clinical Mycology

RDUH (East)

0.4

Application in Preparation

MCRF/2/LW

01/02/2025

19/10/2025

Rehabilitation

RDUH (North)

0.4

Applied - Successful

Philanthropic

MCRF/2/PB

01/08/2025

31/01/2028

Diabetes

RDUH (East)

0.4

Application Submitted

GOSH Rare Disease Charity Grant

MCRF/2/TH

01/04/2025

30/09/2027

Emerging - Surgery

RDUH (East)

0.4

Applied - Unsuccessful

Association of Breast Surgery

MCRF/2/VK

01/05/2025

30/04/2027

Emerging - Data Science

RDUH (East)

0.5

Application in Preparation

28 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Table A4. Senior Investigator and Consultant Research Fellows ID

Start Date

End Date

Research area and specialism

Theme

NHS Trust

SIF/1/MG

01/01/2024

31/03/2028

Respiratory medicine and interstitial lung disease

Clinical Mycology

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/MS

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Consultant nurse supporting monogenic diabetes clinical care

Diabetes

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/TM

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Consultant scientist in the blood sciences laboratory

Diabetes

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/HH

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Inherited and rare cancers

Genetics & Genomics

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/NK

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Inflammatory bowel disease and patient response to treatment/ Data Science Lead

Genetics & Genomics

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/TH

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Multiple sclerosis (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive and primary progressive Multiple sclerosis), dystonia, chronic migraine, motor neuron diseases, autoimmune encephalitis, and Huntington’s disease

Neurodegeneration

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/JF

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Complex hernia surgery and chronic pain

Emerging - Surgery

RDUH (North)

CR/1/LFA

01/04/2024

31/03/2028

Paediatric infectious diseases consultant

Clinical Mycology

St George’s

CR/1/JB

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Clinical drug trials in dementia

Neurodegeneration

RDUH (East)

CR/1/MH

01/10/2023

31/03/2028

Pancreatitis and management of patients in an emergency setting

Emerging - Surgery

SFT

SIF/1/AT

01/05/2024

31/03/2028

Knee replacement surgery

Rehabilitation

RDUH (East)

SIF/1/JC

01/04/2025

31/03/2028

Upper GI, bariatric, and emergency surgery, researching advanced techniques, AI, and community-based rehabilitation

Emerging - Surgery

RCHT

SIF/1/SVJ

01/04/2025

31/03/2028

Clinical Trials in Dementia

Neurodegeneration

CFT

| 29

Table A5. Pre-application Support Awardees ID

Start Date

End Date

NHS Trust

FTE

Leveraged Funding/Fellowship Status

1/PAF/CR

3/03/2025

02/03/2026

RDUH (Eastern)

0.2

Application delayed due to paternity leave

1/PAF/VS

15/12/2024

14/06/2025

RDUH (Eastern) then University Hospitals Plymouth due to rotation

0.2

Applied - Unsuccessful

1/PAF/GP

06/01/2025

05/07/2025

RDUH (Eastern)

0.4

Applied – awaiting outcome

1/PAF/LJ

06/01/2025

05/03/2026

RDUH (Eastern)

0.2

Enrolled on Qualitative MSc Module for Spring 2026

1/PAF/LD

06/01/2025

05/03/2026

SFT

0.2

Joined pathway evaluation and delphi study for experience

1/PAF/JM

06/01/2025

05/09/2025

SFT

0.2

Application for RfPB to be submitted in March 2026

2/PAF/AD

01/03/2025

31/09/2025

RDUH (Eastern)

0.2

Applied – unsuccessful, invite to resubmit

2/PAF/JB

21/04/2025

20/09/2025

SFT

0.2

Applied – unsuccessful, invite to resubmit

3/PAF/RW

01/11/2025

31/03/2026

RDUH (Eastern)

0.2

Application in preparation

30 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Table A6 Seminars and Events

BRC Outreach and Networking Events

Distinguished Seminar Speaker Series

Led by the BRC

Led by the BRC

In partnership with OneNIHR

BRC Symposium

Camille Carroll

Chris Whitty

BRC Launch (Exeter)

Clemens Becker

Cathie Sherrington

BRC Launch (Cornwall)

Erik Rosendahl

Jess Morley (in partnership with the SDE)

BRC Research Day (November 2025) - Cornwall

Graham Boniface

BRC Research Day (March 2025) - Cornwall

Nancy Mayo

BRC Launch (Somerset)

Nalesh Govender Luigi Ferrucci

In partnership with OneNIHR SWAIH 2024 NIHR 20

BRC Internal Seminars Total seminars held - 13 Average number of attendees - 37 Average in person attendees - 15 Average online attendees - 25 By location RILD - 4 St Lukes - 6 Streatham - 3

Stephen Mullin

| 31

Appendix 12. NIHR Impact Case Studies Submitted (2022–2026) Start Date

End Date

NHS Trust

Submission Year

Exeter Hip Stem

Rehabilitation

The Exeter Hip Stem, developed by RD&E and the University of Exeter, is a world-leading, highly durable hip replacement that has transformed the lives of millions of patients, delivers exceptional long-term outcomes, and continues to set the global standard for safe and reliable joint replacement.

Bid (overarching case study 1)

From cutting edge genomic research to awardwinning national rapid diagnostic exome service for acutely unwell babies and children

Genetics & Genomics

Exeter researchers translated cutting-edge genomics into a nationally commissioned rapid exome sequencing service that delivers fast, life-changing diagnoses for critically ill babies and children, improving survival, guiding treatment, and transforming NHS care.

Bid (overarching case study 2)

Revolutionising diagnosis and clinical care in neonatal diabetes patients worldwide

Diabetes

Exeter-led research revolutionised neonatal diabetes care by identifying most genetic causes and enabling thousands of children worldwide to switch safely from insulin injections to personalised oral treatments, dramatically improving outcomes and quality of life.

Bid (overarching case study 3)

Understanding and treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD and AD

Neurodegeneration

This programme of research has transformed treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease by identifying safer therapies, leading pivotal trials of pimavanserin now licensed for Parkinson’s psychosis, and advancing new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment targets.

Bid

Discovery to Clinical Trial Pipeline for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease

Neurodegeneration

We have built an end-to-end discovery-to-clinical-trial pipeline for neurodegenerative disease, combining genomics-led target discovery, novel compound development, spin-out commercialisation, and large-scale drug repurposing programmes now advancing into late-phase clinical trials.

Bid

Digital Brain Health as a platform for translational research

Neurodegeneration

The PROTECT digital brain health programme created by University of Exeter researchers has built a large, highly engaged international platform that enables efficient trials, sensitive cognitive measurement, genetic discovery, and precision medicine research for early neurodegenerative disease.

Bid

Cement and instrumentation for joint replacement

Rehabilitation

This long-running Exeter programme pioneered safe bone cementation and surgical instrumentation for joint replacement, maximising implant longevity, reducing harm, and transforming outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.

Bid

Delivering the rewards of NIHR investments in translational rehabilitation research

Rehabilitation

This programme uses free global online courses to rapidly translate NIHR rehabilitation research into clinical practice, training tens of thousands of clinicians worldwide, delivering proven patient outcomes, and generating major potential NHS savings.

Bid

Quiet eye training (QET) to improve precision in motor performance

Rehabilitation

Quiet eye training research has transformed how visual attention is taught to improve precision under pressure, enhancing performance in sport, surgery, military and industry, and leading to commercial products, safer training, and wider real-world impact.

Bid

32 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Start Date

End Date

NHS Trust

Leveraged Funding/ Fellowship Status

Transforming the detection of genetic subtypes of early-onset diabetes throughout the world

Diabetes

Exeter researchers transformed global detection of rare genetic diabetes (MODY) by developing precision diagnostic tools, including the widely used MODY calculator, enabling correct diagnosis, tailored treatment without insulin, and improved outcomes for patients worldwide.

Bid

C-peptide testing improves the diagnosis and treatment of people with insulin-treated diabetes

Diabetes

Exeter researchers established C-peptide testing as a simple, low-cost, globally adopted tool that improves diabetes diagnosis, guides personalised treatment, reduces unnecessary insulin use, and is now embedded in international clinical guidelines.

Bid

A type 1 diabetes genetic risk score improves diabetes classification

Diabetes

A genetic risk score developed at Exeter accurately distinguishes type 1 diabetes from other forms, is now used in NHS diagnostic services, and is improving diabetes classification and treatment through rapid, low-cost genetic testing.

Bid

Discovery of novel genes and disease mechanisms in rare disease underpinning new treatments and diagnostic tests

Genetics & Genomics

Exeter research has transformed rare disease diagnosis and care by discovering dozens of new disease-causing genes and mechanisms, enabling faster diagnosis, targeted management, new diagnostics, and the development of precision treatments.

Bid

Precision treatment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Genetics & Genomics

Exeter researchers have enabled precision treatment in inflammatory bowel disease by identifying genetic markers that predict drug toxicity and treatment failure, leading to safer, more effective use of anti-TNF therapies now being implemented in clinical practice.

Bid

SNP-chips perform poorly for rare variants

Genetics & Genomics

Exeter researchers showed that SNP-chip genetic tests are unreliable for detecting very rare disease-causing variants, influencing clinical guidelines, policy, and practice by highlighting the need for DNA sequencing in medical decision-making.

Bid

Improving the outcome of cryptococcal meningitis

Clinical Mycology

Exeter-led research transformed the treatment and prevention of cryptococcal meningitis by delivering safer, more effective, and lower-cost therapies and screening strategies that reshaped WHO guidelines and have already saved thousands of lives, particularly in Africa.

Bid

Novel fungal diagnostics

Clinical Mycology

Exeter researchers developed and commercialised a novel antibody-based point-of-care and imaging diagnostics for pulmonary aspergillosis, enabling earlier, more accurate detection and improving survival for high-risk patients worldwide.

Bid

Novel immunotherapy for chromoblastomycosis

Clinical Mycology

Exeter-led research uncovered the immune mechanism underlying chronic chromoblastomycosis and translated this into a novel immunotherapy, showing that topical TLR agonists such as imiquimod can help clear infection and improve patient outcomes.

Bid

| 33

Start Date

End Date

NHS Trust

Leveraged Funding/ Fellowship Status

Optimising and implementing the BOOST programme for older people with spinal stenosis

Rehab

We improved, trained, and rolled out the BOOST group physiotherapy programme for spinal stenosis in the NHS, showing that trained physiotherapists could deliver it effectively, leading to better patient outcomes and making the programme freely available to benefit more patients.

2023-24

Precision approaches using patient clinical features improve treatment in Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes

The TriMaster trial showed that using simple clinical characteristics such as BMI and kidney 2023-24 function to stratify treatment in type 2 diabetes significantly improves blood glucose control, demonstrating a practical approach to precision medicine.

Prevention of vaginal Candida yeast infections

Clinical Mycology

We discovered that the Candida protein Pra1 drives inflammation in vaginal infections and showed in a pilot study that a zinc-containing gel can prevent reinfection, with larger trials now underway to confirm this and explore new treatments.

2023-24

Transformative impact of genetic diagnosis in children with rare disorders

Genetics and Genomics

The DDD study transformed care for children with severe developmental disorders by using genomic sequencing to diagnose thousands, discover new genetic conditions, improve treatment and support, and deliver life-saving, life-changing interventions.

2024-25

Revolutionising Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: A Personalised Approach from NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre

Diabetes

Researchers developed a low-cost, scalable tool that uses simple patient data to predict the most effective diabetes medication after metformin, improving blood glucose control and potentially transforming type 2 diabetes care worldwide.

2024-25

Enhancing Dementia Care through Digital Training: The iWHELD Programme

Neurodegeneration

The iWHELD programme was shown in a large UK trial to improve quality of life for people with dementia and reduce harmful medication use in care homes, with the potential to benefit over 300,000 people and save more than £50 million if rolled out

2024-25

Advancing Early Detection of Mucormycosis through Innovative Diagnostic Research - Update

Clinical Mycology

Researchers identified an antibody that binds to Mucorales fungi and can be detected early in infection, offering the potential for a rapid diagnostic test that could enable earlier treatment and save lives from deadly mucormycosis.

2024-25

Exeter breakthrough reverses cell ageing and spurs global biotech impact

Rehabilitation

University of Exeter researchers discovered how to reprogram ageing cells to restore youthful 2025-26 function, leading to the creation of SENISCA, which is developing anti-ageing treatments and drugs for age-related diseases with major health, economic, and global impact.

Turning post-stroke rehabilitation into homebased computer games enables people to recover movement – even years after stroke

Rehabilitation

A home-based digital rehabilitation programme developed with NIHR Exeter BRC support is helping stroke survivors improve arm function through game-based therapy, with early studies showing strong results and the potential to transform access to personalised recovery at home.

2025-26

34 | External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting - Appendix

Appendix 13. HEBCI: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey Business and External Interaction 2022/23–2025/26 (year-to-date). Based on HEBCI: Higher Education Business and Community Interaction Survey, the figure presents the value of awards associated with Business and External Interaction activity over the past three full academic years, plus 2025/26 to date. The data demonstrate a clear upward trajectory in BEI activity across the period, with a particularly strong early performance in Collaborative Research in 2025/26.

Award value: including Worktribe Awards, Degree Apprenticeships, Industrial Studentships and Prof. Ed

Total award value (£ millions)

20m

20.6m

23.7m

24.6m

21.5m

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26

15m

10m

5m

0m

Academic Year

| 35

Award value: Year on Year, split by HEBCIS category (do not use if filtering on a partner)

Note: Degree Apprenticeship data is available for 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 only.

EI_HEBCIS_Name (Blank)

Total award value (£ millions)

20m

Collaborative Consultancy Contract Research Contract Research (Ind. Studentship)

10m

Not classified yet Not eligible Professional Education Regeneration & Development

0m

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26

Academic Year

Award value: Year on Year, split by Funder type (Awards on Worktribe only)

Hesa European Industry

Total award value (£ millions)

20m

Not applicable Overseas (non-European) To Be Determined UK Charities 10m

UK Government UK Other UKRI & Nat Academies

0m

2022/23

2023/24 Award Year

2024/25

2025/26

2025HALS026