Researchers & academics Translating research into action We work closely with academia, connecting you with innovators, health services and the public to inform your research and translate it into clinical practice. By working with our regional networks, we can drive change locally and spread it nationally. The Applied Research Collaboration for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Health Innovation KSS has a close working relationship with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS). It is one of 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) set up across England, to support applied health and care research that responds to and meets the needs of the local population and local health and care systems. It part of a £135 million investment by the NIHR to improve the health and care of patients and the public. The NIHR ARC KSS brings together NHS trusts, local authorities, universities, communities and other partners to develop and implement innovative translational research to improve health and social care for patients and families in the south east. Health Innovation KSS’s unique Implementation Leads are embedded within the organisation and focus on translating ARC KSS research into practice. Find out more Get in touch Local partnerships We are also part of local academic partnerships in our region which bring together academic and health and social care organisations in order to take forward meaningful research for each population: Surrey Academic Health and Care Partnership Brighton and Sussex Health Research Partnership We are also partnering with Kent and Medway Medical School on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to support with research and innovation activity in the region. Our work 1/9. Working with People and Communities Our people and communities across Kent, Surrey and Sussex are at the heart of research and innovation. 2/9. Digital, Data & AI Through partnerships and collaboration with other organisations, Health Innovation KSS is working to enable the development of digital, data & AI innovations, from idea conception through to real world adoption and spread. 3/9. Health inequalities At Health Innovation KSS, we are committing to ensuring socially excluded groups have a voice and to promoting equity, amplifying diverse voices, and tailoring innovations to meet the needs of populations affected by certain health issues. 4/9. Ageing well At Health Innovation KSS, we work closely with our integrated care systems and research partners to support our population and health and care system challenges. 5/9. Primary, community & social care At Health Innovation KSS, we work with our local integrated care systems (ICSs), GP practices and primary care networks (PCNs) to understand their priority needs and how we can help to meet these needs. 6/9. Mental health & neurodiversity Health Innovation KSS is working with other organisations and those with lived experience to support the spread and adoption of innovation in mental health. 7/9. Medicine optimisation & safety At Health Innovation KSS, we’re working to support healthcare professionals to identify patients at risk and encourage better conversations around medicines. 8/9. Cardiovascular disease At Health Innovation KSS, our cardiovascular disease prevention programme is planned and delivered collaboratively with partners across Kent, Surrey & Sussex. 9/9. Patient safety The national patient safety improvement programme aims to test and spread effective safety interventions and strategies, learn from excellence and support systems to continuously improve. ← → News and case studies New fellows announced to bridge research and frontline care The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) has announced the second group of Knowledge Mobilisation Fellows in Sussex. News 11 Sep 2025 More NHS Sussex Research Strategy: Embedding research across the health and care system The strategy was co-produced with partners across the Sussex Health and Care Partnership to ensure services are evidence-informed, research-active, and responsive to population needs. Case Study 3 Jul 2025 More Enhancing data security and accessibility across the region By providing a secure platform for data storage, sharing, and analysis, the Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment (KMS SDE) supports researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to develop insights that improve patient care. Case Study 3 Jul 2025 More Secure environment for de-identified patient data accelerates move from research to impact New report reveals success of platform to share anonymised patient data. News 30 Jun 2025 More “Language matters,” and other insights from equity academic and campaigner Professor Chloe Orkin As part of Pride 2025, distinguished British physician and health equity campaigner Professor Chloe Orkin shares ten action-provoking insights. Blog 25 Jun 2025 More Knowledge Mobilisation Fellowship programme launched in Sussex The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have announced they will invest £7.8 million for Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) to build knowledge mobilisation capacity and capability within the health and social care sector. News 8 Apr 2025 More Making AI in Healthcare Work for Women: New Reports Healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) systems are consistently failing women, especially women from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to new research released... News 19 Feb 2025 More Celebrating Diversity in Innovation: LGBTQ+ History Month In his latest Monday Musings blog, Professor Hatim Abdulhussein celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month by reflecting on innovations which are helping create a more inclusive healthcare environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Blog 17 Feb 2025 More The Future of NHS Innovation: What can we expect this year? In his first blog of the year, Professor Hatim Abdulhussein reflects on a recent visit from the NHS England’s National Director of Innovation, Emily Henderson and looks to what we can expect in the year ahead. Blog 27 Jan 2025 More 2025 AI Visionaries Announced: Spotlight on Women’s Health Innovation Celebrating outstanding pioneers behind groundbreaking advancements in women’s health and gender equity through artificial intelligence (AI). News 21 Jan 2025 More Network aiming to grow research in Women’s Health reaches 250 members The Women’s Health Research Network was set up by Health Innovation KSS and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in May 2023 in response to the National Women’s Health Strategy for England. Case StudyNews 8 Jan 2025 More Innovative digital dementia tool addresses health access barriers for people living with dementia People living with dementia often struggle to access health and care services, with important changes in their wellbeing frequently going... News 18 Dec 2024 More ← → Stay up to our newsletter Receive the latest health and care news, funding opportunities, case studies and events. Subscribe