Monday 2 June 2025
Professor Ben Parker (pictured) has been formally appointed as the new Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF).
Following a competitive recruitment process, Prof Parker will take over the role from Prof Jacky Smith who announced, earlier this year, that she was stepping down from the position.
Prof Parker has been Co-Director of the NIHR Manchester CRF since 2022 and Medical Director of the NIHR Manchester CRF at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) since 2018. He will take up this new role from today (Monday 2 June 2025).
Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) in partnership with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, the NIHR Manchester CRF operates in six facilities based at NHS teaching hospitals across Greater Manchester; The Christie, MRI, North Manchester General Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital.
Mark Cubbon, Trust Chief Executive at MFT, which hosts the NIHR Manchester CRF, said:
“We have a proud history of pioneering research and innovation in Manchester and the NIHR Manchester CRF, the largest CRF in the country, is central to that, enhancing our national and international reputation. Through ground-breaking trials of new tests and treatments, and true collaboration between partners, we are tackling the most pressing health challenges and inequalities faced by the diverse communities we serve.”
“Research saves, changes and improve lives, and under Prof Parker’s leadership, the NIHR Manchester CRF will continue to pioneer early phase and experimental medicine research and ensure opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in studies that drive positive change in health and care for all.”
Prof Parker, who is also a Consultant Rheumatologist at MFT, said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as the new Director of the NIHR Manchester CRF and, together with colleagues across our 6 sites, look forward to continuing to deliver cutting-edge clinical research to benefit patients of all ages and backgrounds across Greater Manchester.”
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Prof Jacky Smith whose leadership over the last decade has been crucial in ensuring the successful growth of the NIHR Manchester CRF.”
“Working together with our CRF partner organisations, leadership and wider team, and with our patients, participants and public and industry partners, I will continue to drive innovative, collaborative and inclusive research, which aims to find new therapies and treatments that can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Prof Jacky Smith said:
“Huge congratulations to Prof Parker on this appointment. It’s been a pleasure to lead the NIHR Manchester CRF with him and I know he is dedicated to improving patient care through his early phase research and clinical work.”
“I look forward to watching the NIHR Manchester CRF continue to make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our local population and beyond.”
Prof Parker’s research focuses on lupus, a complex autoimmune condition, in particular improving clinical outcomes and reducing co-morbidity. In November last year, he was MFT’s study lead on an international Phase 1 study, which was the first in the UK to assess the potential of CAR-T therapy to treat the most serious form of lupus.