The Quadram Institute opened in 2019 and combines a regional endoscopy centre, a clinical research facility and state-of-the-art bioscience laboratories, with a mission to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food.

The Quadram Institute is a partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The institute brings together researchers, academics and NHS clinicians and during the tour, Her Royal Highness spoke to over sixty members of its staff and students who are working to address challenges in human health, food and disease.

The Princess Royal met Professor Martin Warren, Interim Director of the Quadram Institute, and was provided with a tour to learn how the elements of the Quadram Institute combine to provide excellent patient care as well as developing novel foods and microbiome therapies and strategies to improve lifelong wellbeing.

Her Royal Highness visited the endoscopy unit, meeting Medical Director Dr Bernard Brett and Chief Nurse Ms Rachael Cocker, as well as clinical staff and some of the unit’s patients.

Next Her Royal Highness met Mr Jonathan Lartey, Associate Medical Director for Research at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, who explained the work of the Clinical Research Facility. Within the facility, Her Royal Highness met staff, including the team planning a clinical trial on biofortified foods, along with Research Champions who have taken part in previous trials.

The Princess Royal then toured the Quadram Institute Bioscience laboratories to learn about the cutting-edge research projects being undertaken. These include pioneering microbial transplantation therapies to re-balance the gut microbiome to combat diseases, as well as ways in which researchers are nutritionally enhancing plants and foods to improve our diets.

Within the laboratories, Her Royal Highness met with PhD students who talked about how the Quadram Student Forum supports the community of students who come to the institute to train as research scientists. Postdoctoral scientists and a paediatric consultant also discussed how they are establishing their careers as independent research leaders.

The Princess Royal also met the University of East Anglia Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Maguire and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Chief Executive Professor Lesley Dwyer and Chairman Tom Spink. The Princess Royal then unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit to the Quadram Institute in a ceremony attended by around 100 of the institute’s staff and students.

Professor Martin Warren, Interim Director of the Quadram Institute said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Quadram Institute today. It was a pleasure to be able to showcase not only how NHS staff are providing such excellent care to patients now, but also how the work of our researchers is going to help improve gut health and deliver heathier lives and foods in the future.”

Professor David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia, said: “I was delighted to have the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the Quadram Institute today. Like UEA, the Quadram is a key part of the Norwich Research Park and it is a crucial conduit for research collaboration to find solutions to some of the biggest societal health issues around gut health and the quest for healthy, sustainable food.”

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Medical Director Dr Bernard Brett said: “We are very proud to have welcomed The Princess Royal to our endoscopy unit as part of the Princess Royal’s visit to the Quadram Institute. It was a great opportunity to showcase cutting edge collaborative work that is going on here in Norfolk to bring about improvements to patient care and treatment.”

Dr Karen Lewis, Executive Director of Capability and Innovation at BBSRC, said: “Today’s visit by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Quadram Institute highlights the critical role of innovative partnerships in advancing the frontiers of food and health research. As one of eight UK bioscience institutes strategically supported by BBSRC, we are immensely proud to support the work of the Quadram Institute, a beacon of interdisciplinary collaboration and research excellence. Through this partnership we are paving the way for transformative advancements in gut health, food safety and microbiology, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and public health. We are thrilled that Her Royal Highness could see firsthand the impactful work being done at the Quadram Institute, which not only showcases the UK’s leadership in bioscience research and innovation but also underlines our commitment to tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges to deliver healthier lives.”