Heart and Lung Research Institute

About HLRI

The Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) is a joint venture between Royal Papworth Hospital and the University of Cambridge. It draws together the NHS, academia, industry and charity to create a world-leading research environment delivering high-impact research tackling global cardiovascular and respiratory diseases - some of the world's biggest killers.

A photo of the Heart and Lung Research Institute.
HLRI is next to our hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus

The near-400 researchers, scientists and clinicians based inside HLRI will focus on prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and lung disease, by creating, testing and delivering new treatments to tackle the biggest causes of premature death in the world all on one site.

Combining the world-leading science, research and clinical excellence, it has set an ambitious five year target to demonstrate proof-of-concept for at least 10 new drugs or diagnostic approaches in heart and lung diseases.

Together we can transform the future for those with heart and lung disease

The HLRI is situated next to Royal Papworth Hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest biotech cluster outside the United States. The building is home to state-of-the-art laboratories in genomics, population sciences, research into cellular mechanisms of disease and translational science. It will also include a special 10-bed facility where the first-in-patient studies of new treatments can be conducted and has spaces for education and training.

Royal Papworth Charity contributed £5 million to support the build to ensure our patients have access to the world’s best treatment.

Other funders of HLRI include: The UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, which has contributed £30m; the University of Cambridge; the Wolfson Foundation; the British Heart Foundation which donated £10m; and £5m by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for a Cystic Fibrosis Trust Innovation Hub.

Clinical Research Facility

The Clinical Research Facility (CRF) inside HLRI is run by Royal Papworth Hospital staff. It has space for 10 inpatients at a time to take part in groundbreaking clinical studies and experimental medicine trials within a multi-bedded ward.

Studies have shown that patients who take part in clinical trials fare better - regardless of whether the treatment works - but people who are from minoritised communities, those who work full-time or have to make a long journey to participate are often excluded.

The CRF aims to transform the way in which trials are designed, by placing patients front and centre.

Some doors with the words Clinical Research Facility.

Dr Mark Toshner, a consultant in pulmonary hypertension at Royal Papworth, is heading up the unit. In an interview with the University of Cambridge, he set out his ambitions for the CRF which includes 'taking some of the great basic science we do in Cambridge and making sure it gets applied in a way that results in changing clinical practice and improving patients’ lives.'

Official opening

The HLRI was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester on Monday 11 July 2022.

The Duchess visited our Clinical Research Facility where she met patients research-passionate patients Ron and Chik, followed by members of the research and development team at Royal Papworth who will run the CRF.

The official opening of the Heart and Lung Research Institute by the Duchess of Gloucester.

Construction

Groundwork on HLRI began back in October 2019 with construction starting in January 2020. The building was handed over by constructors sdc in spring 2022.