NHS researchers and academics invited to explore drive for better multimorbidity collaboration
NHS Research Scotland (NRS) specialities are uniting to host an event in Edinburgh exploring the effective delivery of collaborative clinical trials which could help offset the growing challenge of multimorbidity
On Monday 26 October, NRS specialties Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Renal and Metabolic will come together to discuss partnerships to support the design and delivery of more bespoke and integrated Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic (CVRM) research programmes.
Multimorbidity, which is the co-occurrence of two or more long-term chronic conditions in a single individual, places huge strain on the healthcare system. CVRM research focuses on how diseases like heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, and obesity interact and share biological root causes, helping to move research and treatment away from single disease silos.
Healthcare and academic professionals working in research are invited to the Connections in CVRM Research in Scotland Symposium Day — taking place at the COSLA Conference Centre within Verity House, Haymarket — to hear about fresh strategies and support the drive for deeper collaboration across the sector. and progress.
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at the Scottish Government, will open the event outlining Scotland’s contribution to this promising therapeutic area. She said: “Advancing CVRM research and supporting joined-up disease strategies offers an innovative path forward for Scotland.
“We believe the October symposium will strengthen our shared commitment to progress. By bringing together Scotland’s extensive medical expertise, it will give researchers the opportunity to discuss the latest developments across specialties and build new connections and collaborations. We are undoubtedly stronger together.”
The symposium will also see leading voices in CVRM research coming together with the goal of breaking down traditional clinical research silos to coordinate efforts in tackling some of the most prevalent conditions.
The free event is an opportunity to hear directly from principal investigators about new developments in multimorbidity clinical trials and how implementation science is changing clinical care pathways.
Professor Lis Neubeck, Clinical Champion of the Cardiovascular Clinical Network, said: “We recognise that the co-existence of two or more long-term health conditions in the same individual often complicates care and significantly impacts an individual's quality of life, with conservative estimates indicating that around a quarter of Scotland’s population is affected.
“Data from the Scottish Health Survey published last year noted that cardiovascular risks multiply alongside diabetes and high blood pressure. Indeed, cardiovascular disease (CVD) often presents alongside other comorbidities.
“Adopting a united CVRM research approach therefore has many benefits.
“Fundamentally, we believe that delivering forward-thinking, collaborative multimorbidity clinical trials can be more effective than treating contributory conditions in isolation, thereby directly benefitting patients across the country.”
Professor Rory McCrimmon, Clinical Lead for the NRS Diabetes Network, said: “Multimorbidity affects a significant share of people in Scotland and makes care more complex.
“A united CVRM research approach gives us the chance to better understand the links between heart disease, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease, identify shared risk factors, and slow disease progression. Most importantly, it enables innovative, holistic clinical trials that can deliver better outcomes for patients across Scotland."
Please note that event registrations will only be accepted from NHS Scotland or University email addresses.
Publication date: 14th August 2026
