About our research

CPFT is one of the UK's top research active NHS Trusts, running high-quality, groundbreaking research into physical and mental health conditions and supporting innovation. We work to translate the latest discoveries into NHS services to improve care for people using our services and ensure they benefit from research. Find out how to be part of research at CPFT.

We believe in the value of scientific research to help us understand and treat a range of conditions affecting people of all ages, which is why we run a large, diverse portfolio with hundreds of studies. Research underpins our services at CPFT by building the evidence base for care practice.
We work with thousands of volunteers every year to find more effective and efficient treatments, for better health outcomes and recovery pathways. Research makes a difference for people now and in the future.

Play the short film below for an introduction to research at CPFT from our
Research and Development Director Dr Ben Underwood and
Windsor Research Unit Manager Dr Gloria Calderon:

Research with care

CPFT is continuing a long tradition of research linked - and delivered - with care services, developing the historic partnership between Fulbourn Hospital (now run by the NHS) and the University of Cambridge Department of Psychiatry. We work with new regional, national and international partners every year. Our research is conducted to the highest standards and informed by the views and priorities of our patients, carers and clinical colleagues, many of whom are world experts in their field. Participation in research at CPFT is a rewarding and positive experience, offered as part of the excellent clinical care provided by the Trust.

Working with CPFT Research and Development 

We set high standards of research conduct and won't sponsor or approve research studies unless we are sure they can be done safely, ethically, and will likely lead to some improvement in understanding or treatment of conditions. We support a range of studies, including small survey projects, testing new psychological interventions, and highly complex clinical trials of new medicines.

Our Research and Development (R&D) office is available to help throughout the research pathway, from grant applications and ethics to R&D approval and access to CPFT as a research site.