A HAMPSHIRE university has received a massive funding boost from central government to revolutionise health research.

The University of Southampton will receive £140m over the next nine years from the Department of Health towards its National Institute for Health Research Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC).

The deal, which will begin in April, will facilitate the university’s healthcare research funding programmes and will allow the centre to commission research focused on improving health and social care.

Examples of work that will be undertaken in the contract will include a new system to help GPs diagnose urinary tract infections in children and a trial to monitor prostate cancer.

The centre will also commission research programmes into managing challenging behaviour from dementia patients at home and in care homes, and explore the cost effectiveness of using sign language to improve access to psychological therapies.

Lynn Kerridge, chief executive of NETSCC, welcomed the investment.

She said: “This is a great endorsement of continued confidence in our work to ensure investment in health research is focused on areas of greatest need for patients, the public, the NHS and social care.

“I am delighted we can continue the important work we do to shape the future of healthcare and public health and make a difference by maximising the impact of health research.”

Professor Mark Spearing, vice president of research and enterprise at the University of Southampton, added: “We will continue to take vital research programs forward that will improve the lives of people across the UK and meet the changing needs of the NHS and the research landscape into the 2020s.”

Professor Iain Cameron, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, added: “The work of NETSCC is recognised as nationally important and is internationally respected.

“Hosting NETSCC enhances the reputation of the university and helps cement our position as a leading research institution in medicine and healthcare.”

NETSCC is based at the University of Southampton Science Park and employs more than 150 people.

It is part of the Wessex Institute, and has been contracted by the Department of Health to manage evaluation research programmes and activities.

The centre was established in April 2008.