ARC NWL (NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London)

NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London (NIHR ARC NWL) is dedicated to high-quality applied health and care research. Launched in October 2019, ARC NWL operates under the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is hosted by Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, with Imperial College London as its primary academic partner. Our mission is to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities in Northwest London. We achieve this through four primary research themes: Child Population Health, Multimorbidity, Digital Health, and Innovation and Evaluation. These themes are supported by three cross-cutting areas: Information and Intelligence; Patient, Public, and Community Engagement; and Collaborative Learning and Capacity Building. ARC NWL translates research into practical solutions that meet local needs. We collaborate with NHS providers, universities, local authorities, and community organisations to implement evidence-based practices. Our research addresses critical health challenges, including an ageing society, multimorbidity, and the demands on health and care systems. As the national lead for cardiovascular disease research, we adapt to emerging challenges such as COVID-19. In partnership with Imperial College Health Partners, we focus on improving early identification and management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Our efforts are supported by the Whole Systems Integrated Care (WSIC) programme, which integrates data from 2.2 million people to enhance care coordination, especially for patients with complex health needs. Through strategic collaborations and innovative research, ARC NWL aims to drive sustainable health and social care improvements, contributing to local and national health outcomes.