We are funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems – while also being scalable across the country.
The NIHR ARC South West is one of 10 ARCs across England, part of an £157 million investment by the NIHR to improve the health and care of patients and the public.
We are a partnership of local providers of NHS services, local providers of care services, NHS commissioners, local authorities, the Universities of Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol and charities across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall (including the Isles of Scilly). Some research projects include sites outside this area, particularly if a comparison site is required.
Our aims
- To increase the volume and quality of patient-focused research in the South West and beyond
- To improve health outcomes by more effective use of evidence to drive health services
- To increase capacity within the health economy to use and generate evidence
Our areas of research
We have four core research themes. They are:
- Dementia and Neurodegeneration
- Mental Health
- Children and Young People’s Health
- Ageing Well
These themes are supported by two cross cutting areas: Methods for Research and Implementation and Prevention.
Our History
ARC South West has evolved over the years.
Between October 2008 and October 2019, we were called the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South West Peninsula. Read our 10 Years of PenCLAHRC brochure (PDF) to find out more.
From 2019 – 2026, we were known as the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula (PenARC). PenARC’s work focused on 6 key theme areas:
- Children’s Health and Maternity
- Complex Care
- Mental Health
- Dementia
- Public Health
- Methods for Research and Improvement
PenARC was also awarded an additional £1.85 million from the NIHR to lead a national research programme on Children’s Health and Maternity, working closely alongside NIHR ARC Yorkshire and Humber. This programme of work began in October 2020 and ended in March 2026. Read more about the Children’s Health and Maternity programme.
From April 2026, we have been known as the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South West (ARC South West). This new name reflects our geographical expansion in Bristol and the surrounding areas and new partnership with the University of Bristol.
About the NIHR
NIHR’s mission is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. The NIHR was established in 2006 and is primarily funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public, the NIHR delivers and enables world-class research that transforms people’s lives, promotes economic growth and advances science.
Management Board
The ARC South West Management Board includes representation from our Partner Organisations and meets twice a year.
Read the Management Board Terms of Reference (PDF, 395KB).
Annual Report
Access our latest annual report: PenARC Annual Report 2024-25 and impact stories:
- APPEAL: Preventing incontinence after pregnancy
- Increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment for care-experienced young people
- Scaling Community Health and Wellbeing Workers to Tackle Health Inequalities in Cornwall
- Reducing falls among older people
- Supporting Net Zero in Healthcare Through Evidence Mapping
- Kailo contributing to systems change in youth employment in Northern Devon