Our research

We deliver a diverse range of commercial and non-commercial clinical trials, observational studies, and transformative projects exploring new therapies and medical technologies.
Our recent successes
- Psychedelic research offers new hope for PTSD and major depressive disorder
- Royal Devon consultant wins national award for 25 years of world-leading stroke research
- Royal Devon first to apply innovative approach for earlier cancer detection via blood tests
- Royal Devon research aims to revolutionise hip surgery with robotic assistance
- Royal Devon consultant honoured with distinguished European research award
- £1.4m cutting-edge research facility will boost healthcare in North Devon
- £2m research study is a global first for lung condition
- Exeter part of £42m HealthTech Research Network
You can find out more about our current clinical research studies and previous clinical research on our pages.
Our clinical research in the news
Latest news
- Psychedelic research offers new hope for PTSD and major depressive disorder
- Using data to tackle NHS and social care pressures in the South West
- Royal Devon consultant wins national award for 25 years of world-leading stroke research
- Royal Devon first to apply innovative approach for earlier cancer detection via blood tests
- Royal Devon research aims to revolutionise hip surgery with robotic assistance
Catch up on news from 2024:
- Royal Devon consultant honoured with distinguished European research award
- Exeter doctor campaigns to cut plastic waste through promoting reusable insulin pens
- £1.4m cutting-edge research facility will boost healthcare in North Devon
- Largescale study of children with genetic disorders finds huge benefits of diagnosis
- Exeter professor selected as Parliament’s new research lead for health
- £2m research study is a global first for lung condition
- Innovative NHS service seeks patient representatives
- Trailblazing Exeter diabetes researcher awarded Minkowski Prize
- £1.7 million for new network to improve lives of people affected by dementia
Catch-up on our press releases for 2022 – 2023 below:
- Respiratory research fellow celebrated at national awards for patient-centred excellence
- Trust to host new NIHR Regional Research Delivery Network
- New £3m investment bringing health technology innovations to the South West
- Trailblazing diabetes initiative shortlisted for prestigious award
- The Royal Devon spearheads international guidelines for better hernia care
- Introducing ‘BReast CAncer Genes and Me’
- Special delivery – revolutionary technology arrives at the Royal Devon
- PRCs achieve an average 95% patient retention rate in Moderna vaccine trial
- Celebrating 75 years of innovation in the NHS
- Exeter scientist duo join Prince and Princess of Wales at NHS Big Tea 75th anniversary party
- Life-changing research trials new treatment approach for debilitating spinal condition
Partnership with the University of Exeter
The Royal Devon’s strong partnership with the University of Exeter helps us to develop and deliver world-class experimental, translational and health research. This includes the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre, the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Sustainable Innovation, and the state-of-the-art training and research facilities in the RILD building.
World-class networks
We are part of leading networks including the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, and work collaboratively across the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) network infrastructure, which incorporates the NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre: Exeter and the NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our site encompasses United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) quality accredited facilities including laboratories, imaging services, and pathology services working to the highest levels of excellence.
The Royal Devon also has research facilities based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Heavitree site in Exeter and at North Devon District Hospital.
Exceptional research talent
We have access to healthcare scientists, academics, and leading researchers who are experts in their fields. This includes over 40 chief investigators and 71 principal investigators supporting research across over 30 specialty areas such as paediatrics, cancer, neurodegeneration, and diabetes.
Examples of recent clinical research
Endometriosis clinical research study
The Royal Devon is the first site in the South West Peninsular to reach recruitment target for a ground-breaking endometriosis study. Studies such as these help to increase understanding of endometriosis and evaluate treatment methods, which will eventually lead to improved care for those experiencing the condition.
Parkinson's Disease clinical research study
The Royal Devon was the highest UK recruiting site for a ground-breaking research study that took place across multiple sites, including imaging facilities in London. The study team were recognised for their resilience, determination, and dedication to going above and beyond for patients. Participants commended the team for their care and attentiveness, expressing interest at being contacted for future studies.
Respiratory clinical research study
Delivered by the respiratory research team, the Royal Devon was one of seven sites in the UK supporting a leading clinical research study. The study explored treatments for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and feedback has been highly positive from patients. The team were the second highest UK recruiters and have achieved a 100% retention rate to date, with follow-up visits scheduled until September 2024.
Heart failure clinical research study
One of 10 sites across the UK, the Royal Devon was the top recruiting site for a cutting-edge heart failure study. High engagement from participants lead to the decision to extend the study and overrecruit, enabling more people to have an opportunity to take part in research.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): clinical research
The Royal Devon was selected to run three clinical research studies exploring potential treatments for different types of MS. The Neurology Research Team collaborated with MS Nurses, working closely with the team to share current trials at the Trust. The Royal Devon was one of the first UK sites to reach target for one of the studies, and overrecruited to another.
Thanks to this, the Trust was asked to open a third study to boost global recruitment. The patient identified for this trial was not eligible for the only disease modifying treatment available for their condition. Opening the study meant we were able to offer a potential form of treatment, and we successfully reached target in May 2024.
The collaboration between the teams has led to more MS patients being able to access research. It also strengthened the Trust’s relationship with the sponsor, and the Royal Devon has been selected for two further MS studies and a neurology study for myasthenia gravis.