Health Sciences University announces inaugural Director of National Centre for Chiropractic Research

Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Faye Deane as the inaugural Director of the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR). Faye will join the University on 3 November.

Established in 2025, the NCCR is a national partnership dedicated to advancing chiropractic research and its contribution to healthcare. Through collaboration between universities (based at Health Sciences University (HSU) and in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU), McTimoney College of Chiropractic, Teesside University, and the University of South Wales), professional bodies, practitioners and other stakeholders, the Centre seeks to build research capacity, support clinicians to engage with research, develop future research leaders and generate evidence that improves patient outcomes and informs healthcare policy and practice.

Faye is a chiropractor, researcher and health policy scholar with experience spanning higher education, research, professional leadership and health policy. Her work focuses on musculoskeletal health, public health and healthcare systems, with a particular interest in building research capacity and translating research into policy and practice.

She contributes to the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health’s Health Policy Task Force and WHO Europe’s Public Health Innovation Platform. Faye is also Vice President of the British Chiropractic Association and holds international roles with the World Federation of Chiropractic and World Spine Care Europe.

In her new role, Faye will work closely with the NCCR’s partners and stakeholders to strengthen research capacity, support collaboration and ensure that impact is at the heart of the Centre’s research activity.

Faye said:

“Taking on the role of Director of the NCCR is an incredibly exciting opportunity. We have talented clinicians and researchers across the profession, and I want the NCCR to provide the infrastructure, connections and opportunities that enable them to work together and thrive.

My ambition is for the NCCR to become a trusted and collaborative national hub for chiropractic research, building research capacity, developing meaningful partnerships and supporting high-quality research that makes a genuine difference to patients, the profession and wider musculoskeletal health. I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues across the UK and internationally to build the next chapter of the NCCR.”

Daniel Moore – Head of AECC School of Chiropractic said:

‘We are delighted to have Faye join us to lead the NCCR. Her passion to support evidence-informed practice, anchored in partnership, is admirable. She has achieved so much professionally, and within this new role, will undoubtedly achieve so much more.’   

Dr Julie Northam, Director of Research and Co-Chair of the NCCR Steering Group, said:

‘Faye’s appointment marks an important milestone for the NCCR. Her commitment to partnership, research capacity-building and real-world impact aligns strongly with the Centre’s ambitions and with HSU’s mission to advance healthcare through education, research and clinical practice. We are delighted to welcome her to HSU and look forward to working with her, our partners and stakeholders to realise the NCCR’s ambition as a nationally recognised centre for high-quality, impactful chiropractic research.’

Prof. Adrian Hunnisett – Research Director, McTimoney College of Chiropractic (NCCR collaborating partner) said:

‘Having been involved in the recruitment process I can say with confidence that Faye brings to this role a commitment to collaboration and impact that will be central to the NCCR’s success. With Faye leading this national collaboration, I can only see a positive future.’

As the NCCR enters its next phase, Faye will work closely with the Centre’s collaborating partners and stakeholders to strengthen national research capacity, foster new collaborations and ensure that high-quality chiropractic research delivers meaningful benefits for patients, practitioners and healthcare systems.

Find out more about the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR)