The Birmingham Clinical Research Academy (BCRA) concept originated from the central idea of improving University / NHS collaboration with a particular emphasis on applied (including translational) health research.
As a result of this concept the BCRA was formed in November 2007 as a joint venture between the University of Birmingham (UoB) and University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation Trust (UHBFT). The UoB and UHBFT have a long standing history of collaboration in scientific and clinical research with an emphasis on collaborative NHS-based applied research. As the BCRA grows it is anticipated that other local Universities and NHS Trusts will participate in its work.