People across Kent, Surrey and Sussex will benefit from a new research programme focused on the health and care challenges affecting their communities.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding the 5-year programme, which will run from 2026 to 2031 through the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS).
Professor Stephen Peckham and Professor Clara Strauss lead the programme, bringing together the NHS, universities, local authorities, community organisations and public members to turn research into practical improvements for local people.
The aim of the ARC is to respond to the needs identified by our local communities and improve health and care services for people living in the region.
ARC KSS carries out applied research by working with frontline staff, patients and communities to develop solutions that services can put into practice quickly.
The new programme builds on that track record and targets the region’s most pressing challenges. It aims to:
- Improve access to care.
- Reduce health inequalities.
- Support a sustainable workforce.
- Deliver better outcomes for patients and communities.
The work is delivered through 5 research themes focused on: mental health; early years and parenting; primary and community healthcare; health in places; and data to reduce health inequalities. Together, these programmes will help generate practical evidence, support improvements in services and make sure our research addresses the issues that matter most to local people.
In addition, 6 support themes help this work run smoothly. They make sure research is well designed, involves patients and the public, reaches a wide range of communities, builds research skills across the region, helps findings be put into practice, and provides quick evidence when services need answers.
ARC KSS Directors, Professor Stephen Peckham and Professor Clara Strauss, said:
“This programme is about focusing on the issues that matter most to people and services across our region.
“Since 2019, we have been working with local people, health and care workers and those leading services to improve outcomes for patients and communities - helping services respond to local challenges and building a stronger research culture. This new phase goes further, targeting the biggest pressures facing health and care today.
“By working closely with communities and partners, we will build on what we have achieved already and the impact we have made in our region to help deliver practical solutions that will improve the lives of people across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.”
Find out more
Download our Building healthier futures together 2026-2031 summary.
Watch our video to see the difference ARC KSS has made so far.
