University Of York To Lead Research To Transform Adult Social Care Following New £31m Investment

A University of York academic has been given oversight of a £31m research budget to help transform adult social care across the country.

Professor Yvonne Birks has been appointed the new director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research (SSCR).

The SSCR is a national collaborative initiative for research into adult social care in England. Its research aims to identify and address the big issues of the day in social care and deliver more research that is useful, timely and accessible to those responsible for delivering services and those who draw on services, supporting well-being and reducing inequalities.

It is the first time the role has gone to a figure outside of London.

Under Professor Birks’ leadership, the University of York will oversee the most significant investment in social care research ever made by the NIHR who is providing £31m funding to the SSCR over the next five years to address urgent challenges in social care.

The School’s research covers all aspects of adult social care including end-of-life care; services for people living with physical disabilities; learning disabilities; or physical and mental ill health.

Professor Birks said:
“In creating the SSCR, NIHR made an important commitment to social care research at a time when it was barely on the research agenda. Times have now changed, and this substantial new investment is testament to that. There is real interest in research within the sector and an acknowledgement in wider society of the need to address adult social care challenges.”

“We no longer need to make the case for social care research. Now, we need to show how the investment being made can inform and improve services and support . As Director of the SSCR, my focus will be on building strong relationships with people who work in services and those who require support, as well as the research community beyond our constituent membership.  We are focused on collaborations in producing and sharing our research as well as extending and building new research careers. Ultimately we want to make sure our research contributes to making people’s lives better, whether they use or work in services.”

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York, said:
“The launch of the School at York is testament to our proven expertise in adult social care research and highlights the strength of our partnerships and collaborations. I would like to congratulate Professor Birks and her team on her new role as director of the NIHR SSCR.”

“In the face of numerous urgent challenges confronting the social care sector, the launch of the School at York positions us and our partners at the forefront of developing an evidence-based approach and implementing effective solutions to address this critical societal issue. As a university committed to the public good, this initiative exemplifies how our researchers combine academic excellence with innovative thinking to positively impact lives.”