A new drugs and treatment research centre is set to boost Southampton and the surrounding region.

The commercial research delivery centre, led by University Hospital Southampton, is part of a national network funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

UHS has been awarded £4.7 million to establish the CRDC, one of 20 centres across the UK, as part of a £100 million public-private investment initiative.

The centre aims to enhance the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical research delivery, contributing to the health and wealth of Hampshire and beyond.

The CRDC will work with industry to support the region's growing status as a hub for innovative research, including pioneering clinical trials for new drugs and treatments.

The CRDC builds on the success of the Wessex Research Hubs, which have run large-scale commercial clinical trials sponsored by international pharmaceutical companies.

The new centre will be under the governance of Wessex Health Partners, a regional partnership working to accelerate improvements in health and care through research and innovation.

Christine McGrath, managing director of Wessex Health Partners, said: "Wessex is increasingly recognised as a leading region for life science research and innovation.

"Through the combined excellence of our universities, our health and care organisations, and Health Innovation Wessex, we are attracting significant inward investment, creating high-quality jobs, and boosting economic growth for the region."

The CRDC will provide access to a network of commercially active sites, build links with industry, and increase public access across Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight to participate in research.

It will also help shift clinical trials beyond large hospital trusts into community settings and support more GP practices to become research active.

Dr Patrick Moore, director of the new NIHR CRDC, said: "Many participants in our trials are motivated by a strong desire to give back to the NHS and contribute to groundbreaking medical advancements that could improve the health and care of others in the future.

"With this expansion, even more people will have the opportunity to take part in vital research, driving meaningful improvements both regionally and beyond."