Science Minister Chris McDonald has announced more than £52 million of UK government backing for five research hubs designed to detect illness earlier and help people manage their health outside hospital.
The hubs, funded through UK Research and Innovation, are based in Exeter, London, Southampton and Sunderland and will work with researchers and partners across all four UK nations.
Their work includes a network of NHS brain-health clinics using artificial intelligence to combine blood tests, scans and memory tests, with the aim of accelerating dementia diagnosis by up to 50 per cent.
Other teams will develop real-time tools to assess head impacts, use routine eye scans to identify early signs of diabetes and heart disease, and test smartphone and wearable technology that can help people decide whether a respiratory infection needs professional attention.
A separate cardiovascular hub will combine data from wearables, imaging and health records, including work on an AI-supported wellbeing coach for people managing heart disease at home.
NHS bodies, charities, sports organisations and companies are providing a further £37.5 million in cash and in-kind support. McDonald, the Labour MP for Stockton North, said earlier diagnosis could improve outcomes while easing pressure on the NHS.
