Strategic research centres will bring together a team of key scientific experts, wherever they are based, to form a cohesive group intent on using research to help people with cystic fibrosis.
Recruit the brightest and best to cystic fibrosis research from medical students undertaking summer research studentships through to qualified clinicians completing a year-long clinical fellowship training programme to specialise in cystic fibrosis care.
Capacity for clinical trials research in the UK will be increased by part-funding of five research coordinators based in cystic fibrosis specialist clinics.
Venture and innovation awards will leverage financial support from other agencies, including industry, research councils, the National Institute for Health Research, biomedical research charities and others to support transformational and innovative research projects.
Research sandpits – environments in which established cystic fibrosis researchers can meet experts from another discipline – will stimulate new thinking and innovation on a topic where the expertise within the cystic fibrosis research community is thin; for instance "smart electronics", to address a challenge such as developing novel smartphone apps to help teenagers manage adherence.