Designation will be for 5 years from 1 April 2014, and the role of the new AHSCs will be to:

• increase strategic alignment of NHS providers and their university partners, specifically in world-class research, health education and patient care
• improve health and healthcare delivery including through increased translation of discoveries from basic science into benefits for patients

Through this, AHSCs will be able to realise their potential as drivers of economic growth through research partnerships with commercial life science organisations.

To enter the competition, applicants should submit their pre-qualifying questionnaire by 1pm on 31 May 2013 to be considered for the AHSC award.