NIHR Imaging Working Groups

The different workgroups - Imaging Science, Workforce, and Research Delivery - are set up to focus on three major priorities surrounding imaging research: the science behind imaging research; the workforce who conduct the research; and the delivery of the research. Each working group has representatives from a range of different academic and clinical backgrounds, who meet 3 to 4 times per year to establish the priorities and projects for the group.

The overall direction and priority of the group is decided by the steering committee, which includes chairs from all three working groups, the chair of the NIHR Imaging Group and other representatives from within and outside of the NIHR. Navigate to the Meet Our Experts page to learn more about the chairs and members of the groups.

Imaging Science

The imaging science working group focuses on identifying the specific gaps in imaging research infrastructure, and proposes solutions to help investigators undertake high quality imaging research in the NHS. The aim of this group is to support the development of cutting edge imaging research across the NIHR. This includes secure shared access to large imaging datasets linked to cognate clinical data to support the development of AI and machine learning algorithms in imaging, access to clinical trial unit support with specific expertise in delivering imaging studies and developing a set of tools and repository of resources to assist imaging researchers. Our partners include University of Oxford, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator (NCITA), NHSX, University of Dundee, University of Cambridge and University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, RCR, and Imperial College London.

The group's chair is Prof. Andy Scarsbrook.

Imaging Workforce

Over 35 million imaging tests are performed each year in the NHS. The aim of this group is to increase the capacity and capability of the NHS and academic imaging research workforce and develop a “community of practice” for imaging researchers supported by NIHR. It will also work to improve early-mid career opportunities for grant-supported clinical research and enhance academic careers in imaging. Our partners include key professional bodies such as the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM), and the Society of Radiographers (SOR). Activities include championing for the increase in clinical academic training within core radiology and radiographer curriculums as well as working with RADIANT to develop learning programs and increase the number of trainees supporting our portfolio research. The group aims to develop NIHR fellowships in joint partnership with industry and charities as well as a multi-disciplinary mentorship programme.

The group's chair is Dr. Simon Lowes.

Imaging Research Delivery

The overarching goal of the Research Delivery Working Group is to improve the imaging research delivery infrastructure within the NIHR and across its partners and stakeholders – NHS, academic and commercial.

Working with UK Research & Development (UKRD), NCITA, NHS England (NHSE) and NHS Improvement (NHSI) and NHSX, and supported by key imaging experts including our CRN Local Imaging Champions, we aim to develop appropriate and efficient guidance frameworks (including ethics and governance permissions and costings guidance) to facilitate imaging research and the use of imaging data. This will lead to greater efficiencies in delivering this research, better funding and staffing models, and improved access to resources, thus providing confidence to our partners and patients that consistently high quality imaging can be undertaken to drive research forward. The Group also aims to develop collaborative networking and regional hubs to optimise delivery and provide flexible capacity for imaging research.

The group's chair is Dr. Angela Darekar

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