Groundbreaking Research

As one of the largest children’s hospitals in Europe, Alder Hey is the perfect place to deliver the highest quality research. 

Our aim is to become a world class centre for research, innovation and education and our reputation for paediatric research has improved significantly over the last few years. Key areas of excellence have emerged within pharmacology, infection, oncology, inflammation, infection and international child health.

Throughout our long history we have remained at the forefront for children’s health research, leading the field for drug safety. Alder Hey was a founding partner of the NIHR Medicines for Children Research Network and is now the base for its successor, the NIHR Clinical Research Network for Children.  

Alder Hey is very proud to have enrolled over 44,000 children and young people into research studies, more than any other children’s healthcare provider in the UK. At any time, there are over 200 clinical research studies taking place at Alder Hey; ranging from observational studies to complex, international trials supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Facility. Our CRF provides a dedicated environment for leading edge research, enabling Alder Hey to develop safe studies of complex paediatric medicines and interventions.

During 2020/21, over 9,000 children and young people were enrolled into clinical research studies at Alder Hey.

Our partners

Our thriving research portfolio is delivered in partnership with a number of NHS, academic and commercial partners. Our academic partners include the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University and Edge Hill University. Alder Hey is also a member of Liverpool Health Partners and has collaborations in the UK and internationally with a large number of healthcare institutions, universities and commercial organisations.

Several of our staff hold contracts with partner academic institutions ensuring that our research remains relevant and meaningful for children, families and healthcare professionals.

Have you taken part in a research study?

If you've taken part in a research study, then we want to hear from you! Your feedback is essential to ensuring we understand what works well, what could be improved and how can expand our reach. To fill in the simple survey, simply click the button below.