Welcome
This National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration works across the Wessex region in the South of England.
It is funded to work from April 2026 until April 2031, and will cover Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, as well as Wiltshire.
The NIHR ARC Wessex is led by Professors Catherine Bowen and Michael Boniface both based at the University of Southampton.
The organisation is part of a network of 11 Applied Research Collaborations that cover England, and we work closely with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
We are a genuine collaboration of Universities, NHS Trusts, Local Councils, the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise organisations, and Industry partners.
We work together to address real-world health and care challenges across the region and nationally through high-quality applied research.
Our work leads to evidence that informs practice, improves patient care, and shapes policy. We work together with public contributors and our communities in everything we do.
READ: Applied Research Collaboration Wessex
2026-2031 – From neighbourhood need to system change
A neighbourhood, equity-led model for delivering applied health and care research at scale
Our Vision
Lead transformative applied health & care research that reflects the unique strengths of the region yet delivers scalable, inclusive solutions for health & care systems nationally.
Grounded in our themes of Healthy Communities & Prevention, Mental Health, Living Well with LTCs, Integrated Health & Social Care, Data & Technology.
We aim to shape a future where care is more inclusive, community-based, preventative, digitally enabled, & equitable.
Our Mission
ARC Wessex takes ideas from neighbourhood need to system change.
“Neighbourhood, equity-led system transformation enabled by the Collaboration Hub delivered through National Flagship and Agile Programmes powered by Themes”
Our Values
Working with communities to make sure research is fair and open
Sharing what we learn and having an impact
Looking to the future: Local. Focused on avoiding illness.
Supported by technology.
Fair & inclusive for everyone.
We support the Government’s national ambitions to build an NHS fit for the future focusing on healthier lives, reduced inequalities, more resilient systems & workforce equipped to lead & sustain change.