By placing researchers locally, it aims to reach people who have previously been under-represented in health studies, those behind the programme said.
“Mental health challenges can be isolating, especially for people in some of our most under-served regions,” said professor Lucy Chappell, NIHR chief executive.
“By moving our research focus out of traditional clinical settings and directly into the areas where people live and work, we are driving a fundamental shift toward a more preventative model of care in the community.”
The NIHR first launched the hub programme in 2023, targeted at geographical areas with a combination of high mental health need, limited research capacity and low participation in mental health research.
The other universities hosting the new hubs are based in Huddersfield, Lancaster, Lincoln and Plymouth.
