Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has marked one year as a specialist hub delivering life-changing commercial clinical trials for children and young people.
Launched in April 2025, The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield Children’s Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), aims to transform how clinical trials are delivered, helping to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.
It is one of 35 specialist research hubs established nationwide – and the only one dedicated to delivering commercial clinical trials for children and young people.
Speaking at an event to celebrate a successful first year yesterday (Thursday 19 March), NIHR Sheffield Children’s CRDC Director Professor Mike Cork said: “Over the past year we have built on our already strong foundations for delivering world-class commercial clinical trials for children and young people.
“The NIHR Sheffield Children’s CRDC brings together clinicians, researchers and industry partners to accelerate the development of innovative new treatments. Our aim is to ensure that patients and their families can access cutting-edge therapies and the very latest research opportunities, right here in Sheffield.
“The CRDC helps us to expand the number of studies we can deliver and ensures children and young people have greater opportunities to take part in research that could transform their lives.”
Working with industry
International industry partners including Sanofi, IQVIA and Regeneron attended the event, highlighting their commitment to Sheffield Children’s and its work to deliver high-quality trials.
The CRDC has already enjoyed a number of successes, including recruiting the first patient in Europe to a global Dravet syndrome trial.
Dawn Hunter, Site Engagement Lead at Sanofi UK Clinical Studies Unit said: “For over 10 years Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has successfully delivered high quality research across a large number of Sanofi and Regeneron’s priority global clinical trials.
“Yesterday was an inspiring celebration of all the hard work and dedication each and every member of staff contributes to commercial research at Sheffield Children’s. Congratulations to all, everyone should be very proud of the success of their one-year NIHR Sheffield Children’s CRDC status and thank you for inviting us to share in the exciting future of clinical research for the children and young people of Sheffield.”
Sue Crawford, Northern Prime Site Director at IQVIA added: “We view Sheffield Children’s as a safe pair of hands, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality research and a team that combines clinical expertise with a clear focus on patient care.”
Patient impact
Patients involved in commercial research trials often have access to promising new treatments and therapies sooner than they otherwise would.
One Sheffield Children’s patient who has already benefitted from being involved in clinical research is Freddie from Huddersfield.
The eight-year-old, who has a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome, has taken part in a commercial clinical trial exploring new treatment options for his condition.
Freddie’s mum Lauren, who spoke about her experiences at yesterday’s event, said taking part in research has given their family hope: “Being part of a clinical trial gave us access to a treatment option that we may not otherwise have had. The research team explained everything clearly and supported us every step of the way.
“It’s reassuring to know that by taking part we’re not only helping Freddie, but is potentially helping other children in the future too.”
The CRDC UK Network and research in the UK
NIHR Sheffield Children’s CRDC is part of the CRDC UK Network, which brings together 35 centres across primary, secondary and specialist care to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in commercial clinical research.
Supported by the NIHR in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, the Network provides a coordinated UK-wide infrastructure for fast, reliable and consistent trial delivery at scale. It offers industry access to high-performing research sites and enables inclusive, decentralised trials, allowing more people from more communities across the NHS to take part in research.
Jenny Crooks, CRDC UK Network Operations Director, said: “The CRDC UK Network brings together all 35 CRDCs to maximise our collective national offer and strengthen collaboration across the UK.
“Sheffield, as the country’s only paediatric‑dedicated CRDC, plays a vital role in ensuring children and young people can benefit from cutting‑edge commercial research. By working as a unified network, we are increasing the number of innovative trials coming to the UK and ensuring that new treatments reach patients faster and where the need is greatest.”
In its 150th year, Sheffield Children’s is proud to continue a long tradition of pioneering research and innovation.
By bringing together leading clinicians, researchers and industry partners, Sheffield Children’s is helping ensure the next generation of treatments can be tested, developed and delivered to the patients who need them most.