Staff in the PCTU have been conducting clinical trials and other research studies since the 1990s. The PCTU obtained registration with the UK Clinical Research Collaboration in 2007, and has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research since 2008. Since then we have expanded to lead and collaborate in a large number of multi-centre trials and other studies across many clinical areas. Originally studies were focused in primary care and mental health. Over time the unit has expanded to include women’s health, colorectal surgery, and most recently, critical care and perioperative medicine.