Who we are

Understanding Health Research was supported by the population Health Sciences Research Network, funded by the Medical Research Council. This project is a collaboration between three Medical research council units (MRC Social and Public Health Sciences in Glasgow, the MRC Human Nutrition Research Unit in Cambridge and the MRC Epidemiology Unit, also in Cambridge) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The Medical research council improves human health through world-class medical research. We fund research across the biomedical spectrum, from fundamental lab-based science to clinical trials, and in all major disease areas. Our research has resulted in life-changing discoveries for over a hundred years.

We are a non-departmental public body funded through the government's science and research budget. We invest in research on behalf of the UK tax payer. Scientists apply for funding for their research and applications are reviewed by panels of independent experts.