The Evaluation, Research and Development Unit is an innovative partnership between Durham University and the local NHS to support world class commissioning with the research and development it will need to be successful. The Unit addresses themes relevant to the delivery of safe, clinically effective care, based on continuous improvement in their commissioning processes. Its role is to support evidence-based commissioning, including the improvement of care pathways and tackling health inequalities. ERDU works closely with commissioners and practitioners in identifying and addressing applied health research questions, supporting the translation of research findings into practice and evaluating the effectiveness of changes in service delivery.  ERDU is part of both FUSE: The Centre for Translational Research and Public Health, and the Policy Research Unit for Cancer Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis, which is funded by the Department of Health. 

The Unit is a multidisciplinary group headed by Professor Greg Rubin. It has expertise in a wide range of research and evaluative methods in health care and its staff have backgrounds in social sciences, primary health care and health economics. We welcome enquiries from health care organisations engaged in the commissioning or delivery of health care, either in the UK or overseas. You can contact the Evaluation, Research and Development Unit through its secretary, Judith Walsh.