A £5m investment in a centre of excellence in public health has the backing of all the main regional agencies to tackle some of the biggest health challenges in the area.
A new lectureship in physical activity and several full-time research studentships will come to Teesside as part of the goal to improve health.
The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health will bring together scientists from all five North East universities as well as professionals who will focus on putting the latest research into practice.
It means the scientific knowledge we already have will reach the front line in the war on poor health.