Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research facilities

Enabling world-class health and care research to thrive

At the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR)our research and collaboration activities are underpinned by access to an impressive range of cutting-edge facilities.
These include those specifically focused on healthcare such as the state-of-the-art Derriford Research Facility, as well as facilities based in other parts of the University of Plymouth, but with wide-ranging health applications, like the Plymouth Light Microscopy Service. Our key facilities are below.
If you have any queries about using the facilities, are interested in collaboration, or would just like more information either follow the specific links or contact us at PIHRSupport@plymouth.ac.uk

The Derriford Research Facility (DRF)

From brain tumours to vaccines, tissue regeneration to hepatitis, antibiotic resistance to innovative cancer drugs, research at the DRF focuses on the development of new therapeutics, diagnostics, interventions and approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat devastating diseases, enhance patient outcomes and improve global healthcare.

This landmark investment by the University in to its biomedical and clinical research infrastructure, provides state-of-the-art laboratories and a rich, collaborative, interdisciplinary environment for University researchers, clinical colleagues and our partners.

Find out more about the facility

Derriford Research Facility (DRF)

Brain Research & Imaging Centre

The Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), the most advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility in the South West, will provide the sea-change to enhance the quality of our research in human neuroscience.

With seven cutting-edge human research laboratories, BRIC will include an MRI suite with the most advanced 3-Tesla scanner in the region. It will critically advance our enquiry toward the most advanced brain research, improved radiological diagnostics and better patient care.

Find out more about the facility

BRIC building development, December 2020

The University of Plymouth Babylab

A research lab for the cognitive psychology of child development.

The Babylab was opened in 2006 in the School of Psychology, and is one of its most vibrant and productive research labs. It is run primarily by students.

Since its opening, the Babylab has attracted more than £1.5m in research grants, and has developed solid collaborations with Babylabs in prestigious universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Paris Descartes.

Learn more about the University of Plymouth Babylab

Psychology experiments in the BabyLab

Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit (PenCTU)

Experts in developing, supporting and coordinating multi-centre clinical trials 

The PenCTU is a leading academic clinical trials unit with expertise in designing, developing, supporting and co-ordinating high quality, multi-centre clinical trials and other well-designed studies that will directly influence clinical and healthcare practice.

Discover more about our Clinical Trials work

Report analyses why complaints about doctors to the GMC have risen

Medical Statistics

Research to improve health and health care

Dedicated team providing quantitative statistical / data analysis, database management and support across a wide range of biomedical and clinical research areas, trials and services for University, NHS and commercial partners.

Find out more about Medical Statistics

Stethoscope and medical statistics. 

The Research Design Service (RDS)

The Research Design Service – South West (RDS) is part of the extensive National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructure supporting research and researchers around the country. It is one of ten RDS services in England with eight offices based in NHS trusts or universities across the South West.
The NIHR funds the RDS to provide free research funding, methodological and practical support to health and social care researchers across England to develop grant applications to the NIHR and other national peer-reviewed funding programmes (for example MRC, ESRC and major charities). Advice also covers the large number of NIHR fellowships available.
research design service 

Plymouth Proteomics Research Group

Centre of expertise in proteomics for biomedical applications
The Plymouth Proteomics Research Group develops and applies advanced proteomic technologies to study human diseases addressing various research questions ranging from biomarker diagnostics to disease mechanisms.
membrane protease, syn/degradation

Additional facilities with health applications

We also benefit from access to a range of non health specific facilities based within the wider University.

Microscopy collage Plymouth Light Microscopy Service (PLiMS)
 Light/confocal microscopy and image analysis service for bioimaging applications for academic and commercial partners.

Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC)
 PEMC offers a comprehensive range of light microscopes, electron microscopes, imaging processing and analysis software providing support to a range of disciplines within the University, external research organisations and industry clients.

3D printer, digital fabrication laboratory Digital Fabrication Laboratory
 Advanced digital fabrication resources to support design ideation, prototyping and product development