The trust said the new facility formed part of its wider strategy to ” increase research participation and address inequalities in access to clinical trials in the field of mental health”.
It said the research undertaken at the centre would support commercial and non-commercial clinical research studies across a broad range of specialties, including mental health, dementia, children and adolescent mental health services and physical health conditions experienced by people living with mental illness.
Emmens said the trust had wanted a dedicated place for research for about 20 years.
He said: “This gives us an opportunity to make research more available to all sorts of people – including those with a range of mental health needs.
“We are building our mood disorder research clinic here, too, working with the University of Exeter and creating opportunities to trial novel treatments.”
The new facility will include:
A dedicated laboratory and clinical trials pharmacy
Physical health assessment and infusion room
Specially designed therapy rooms
Flexible spaces that support virtual follow-up appointments
Modern reception, waiting, office and staff welfare facilities
The trust said by combining a central research hub with the ability to deliver aspects of research activity in patients’ homes, it aimed to improve recruitment, retention and participation in clinical trials from underserved communities.
Follow BBC Devon on X, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk, external.