As the end of 2025 approaches, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and commitment to our collaboration this year. 

It has been a challenging year with successes and disappointments. Many of you contributed to the careful preparation for our bid to the NIHR to secure future funding from April 2026. In August, we were disappointed to learn that, along with the two other London-based ARCs, we were unsuccessful in securing this funding. We were, however, encouraged by the prompt announcement of a new opportunity for applied health, public health and social care research: a pan-London ARC that will bring together partners from across the city. The NIHR has allocated up to £22 million for this new collaboration, and we are working hard to develop a strong and collaborative proposal with colleagues at UCL, Imperial and across London.  

Our impact in 2025

The impact of our research continues to drive policy and inform practice. For example, our clinical trial of Alcohol Assertive Outreach Treatment (AAOT), an innovative community-based approach to support for people with serious alcohol addiction, has informed clinical commissioning decisions across south-east London, as well as in Manchester and Hull.

Additionally, research from our DEM-COMM fellows on better palliative and end of life care for people affected by dementia has been included in several national and international policies, including the WHO Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange platform, Royal College of Nursing End of Life Care Resources and the House of Commons Library.

Our researchers have continued to work closely with patients, people with lived experience and community organisations to ensure our work addresses the needs of local people and communities.

Professor Ingrid Wolfe, Director, ARC South London

Our maternity and perinatal mental health researchers championed collaborative and community-based approaches at a conference in November on how holistic care can address inequalities in maternal health. Lived experience contributors and researchers from diverse ethnic backgrounds have co-authored papers on developing equitable, respectful palliative care. Our Public Research Panel, which is chaired by public members, have gained research experience conducting interviews on a project exploring how Research Cafes can help to increase the diversity of participation in research.  

Our capacity building activities have enhanced skills and expertise in applied health and care research and leadership for early career researchers and those without any research expertise. For example, our successful Applied Research Leadership Academy attracted 122 people from across the NIHR ARCs from a variety of backgrounds, including clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals and patient and public involvement representatives.  

Looking to the future

As the year draws to a close, we now look ahead to our Knowledge Exchange Event in February 2026. At what will be one of final public events, we will explore different forms of knowledge and the importance, as well as the challenges, of conducting inclusive research in turbulent times. 

ARC South London will formally close in March 2026 but we will keep you updated as work progresses on the pan-London ARC bid.

I am positive that the expertise, impact and learning developed at ARC South London will continue to inform policy, influence services and be evident in our future work, wherever we are based.

Professor Ingrid Wolfe, Director, ARC South London

Thank you again for your commitment, partnership and support. I wish you a peaceful restful holiday and all the best for the new year. 

Professor Ingrid Wolfe, Director, ARC South London