A world leading Horizon Scanning Facility

The NIHR Innovation Observatory identifies emerging innovations across the global healthcare landscape and transforms them into trusted intelligence that helps organisations anticipate change, make informed decisions and prepare for the future.

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What we do

What is Horizon Scanning?

Horizon scanning is a method that systematically searches for and analyses signs of important developments to help us plan for the future.
In healthcare, these developments can include new medicines, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health tools and other types of interventions.
The intelligence and insights provided by horizon scanning allow decision makers to anticipate changes in healthcare so that they can respond to challenges and opportunities.

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Resources

Our Latest Resources

Journal Articles

Identifying new and emerging device, diagnostic and digital technologies for paediatric neurological trauma

September 2026

Journal Articles

Patient, Public, and Community Involvement and Engagement in Horizon Scanning: A Scoping Review (one page infographic)

August 2026

Journal Articles

Patient, Public, and Community Involvement and Engagement in Horizon Scanning: A Scoping Review (Executive Summary)

August 2026

Journal Articles

Information Specialist Roles in the Era of Large Language Models: Prompting Continued Professional Development

May 2026

Journal Articles

Horizon Scanning for Medical Technologies: Methodological Framework Development Study of the Medical Innovation Scanning Techniques (MIST) Framework

May 2026

Journal Articles

Repurposed Medicines for Viruses With Epidemic or Pandemic Potential: A Horizon Scan

May 2026

Reports

Future Directions in Personalised Medicine: A Horizon Scan for Artificial Intelligence, Genomics-Based HealthTech

November 2025

Journal Articles

Reporting Horizon Scanning Studies: Prototype Development Study

April 2026

Events

Upcoming Events

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14 Oct

NIHR Innovation Observatory Showcase | Newcastle upon Tyne

14 Oct 2026 at 12:30pm - 4:30pm

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne

Engage

Working together to shape the future of health and care.

We work with people, organisations and communities across the health and care ecosystem to ensure our work is informed by diverse perspectives, responds to real-world needs and supports better decision-making.