Health and Care Research

Please note parts of this page are out of date following the changes to NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board.



What is health and care research and why is it important?

Research is a systematic investigation that creates new knowledge or deepens our knowledge about a problem or issue. It involves designing the study’s approach, planning the most appropriate methods to gather data, recruiting participants ethically, and analysing the data using established methods that provide valid and reliable results.


Health and care research adds to our knowledge and understanding about diagnoses, treatments and care, and people’s lived experiences. This knowledge helps us to deliver better services and contributes to the best health and wellbeing for people. Publishing the learning from research widely can positively impact health and care locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.


NHS England’s Long-Term Plan states an ambition to increase the numbers of people participating in research to 1 million people registering their interest by 2023/24. The government has set out the UK research vision (Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and has outlined the need to build on the learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that NHS England has a strong commitment to increasing public participation in research.


There is a specific need to increase the diversity of people who get involved in research, both as research recruits, and in study design. We know there is a prevalence of white, older people who get involved in research. Without diverse participants in research, there is a risk that research outcomes will not be as effective across diverse population groups and that research trials will not be designed to meet the needs of a diverse population.


Local Research


The ‘Community Voices in Research’ programme, funded by NHS England and developed in partnership with NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, aimed to tackle the under-representation in research among diverse groups and communities in Suffolk and North East Essex, by increasing awareness and motivation to participate in research.

Community-led organisations in Suffolk and North East Essex were funded and trained to become community research champions. By facilitating conversations about health research amongst members of their community the aim was to:

  • understand what research means to different communities.
  • discover what areas of research are a priority for different communities.
  • understand the barriers people face engaging in health research.
  • discovering how these barriers can be overcome.


The programme enabled us to gather insight from an extensive range of communities and in total the 19 projects held over 1,000 conversations with people who face barriers to participating in research.


The Research Engagement Network (REN)


Our local Research Engagement Network is coordinated by the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), in collaboration with Thinklusive.

This initiative creates a platform for researchers to exchange experiences, foster learning and support underserved groups in research.

The Network:

  • Supports the local Integrated Care System to foster a local research environment that is supportive and inclusive for our diverse communities.
  • Builds trusting, mutually beneficial relationships with the community.
  • Listens to and understands local communities better.
  • Collaborates with community members and organisations to make research more inclusive and representative.
  • Highlights the need for making reasonable adjustments within research happening locally.
  • Provides a check and challenge to local research teams to create more accessible research.
  • Offers input, ideas, and recommendations to teams at all stages of the research process.

Your commitment as a Network member would be to:

  • Attend 1-hour bi-monthly meetings (a combination of online and in person).
  • Join the Let’s Talk group to talk to each other, share examples of best practice, provide secure space to store information and documents.
  • Be open to collaborating with members of the REN Network.
  • Share information regularly across your personal and professional local networks.

If you are interested in getting involved with our Research Engagement Network, then please fill in the form below and one of the team will get in touch with you.


Get Involved - Be part of Research

What is Be Part of Research?

Be Part of Research is a UK-wide service that helps people understand what research is and what it might mean to take part. It also shows what research is currently happening across the UK.


You can create a free account or search for trials and studies into health conditions you’re interested in, at locations near you.


Be Part of Research is run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in collaboration with the NHS and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The mission of the NIHR is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. Be Part of Research is funded by the UK government, through the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).


Why take part in research?

Every time someone receives treatment for a health condition, it's because of the many people who take part in health and care research.


Research is key to developing new treatments, finding better ways to manage health conditions and providing better care. Or preventing people from developing conditions in the first place. Without research, there would be no Covid vaccines, or no new treatments for cancer. But it's the people who take part in health research who make these vital discoveries possible. By taking part, you can help give people healthier lives - now, and in the future. It's easy to get involved - simply register with Be Part of Research at https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/join


There are many ways you can get involved:

  • Click on the Subscribe button to the right of the screen to stay informed about health and care research in Suffolk
  • Click on the Register button and participate on the Let's Talk platform to stay informed about wider health and social care in Suffolk.
  • Find out more about our Engagement Network by completing the form below.

Please note parts of this page are out of date following the changes to NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board.



What is health and care research and why is it important?

Research is a systematic investigation that creates new knowledge or deepens our knowledge about a problem or issue. It involves designing the study’s approach, planning the most appropriate methods to gather data, recruiting participants ethically, and analysing the data using established methods that provide valid and reliable results.


Health and care research adds to our knowledge and understanding about diagnoses, treatments and care, and people’s lived experiences. This knowledge helps us to deliver better services and contributes to the best health and wellbeing for people. Publishing the learning from research widely can positively impact health and care locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.


NHS England’s Long-Term Plan states an ambition to increase the numbers of people participating in research to 1 million people registering their interest by 2023/24. The government has set out the UK research vision (Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and has outlined the need to build on the learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that NHS England has a strong commitment to increasing public participation in research.


There is a specific need to increase the diversity of people who get involved in research, both as research recruits, and in study design. We know there is a prevalence of white, older people who get involved in research. Without diverse participants in research, there is a risk that research outcomes will not be as effective across diverse population groups and that research trials will not be designed to meet the needs of a diverse population.


Local Research


The ‘Community Voices in Research’ programme, funded by NHS England and developed in partnership with NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, aimed to tackle the under-representation in research among diverse groups and communities in Suffolk and North East Essex, by increasing awareness and motivation to participate in research.

Community-led organisations in Suffolk and North East Essex were funded and trained to become community research champions. By facilitating conversations about health research amongst members of their community the aim was to:

  • understand what research means to different communities.
  • discover what areas of research are a priority for different communities.
  • understand the barriers people face engaging in health research.
  • discovering how these barriers can be overcome.


The programme enabled us to gather insight from an extensive range of communities and in total the 19 projects held over 1,000 conversations with people who face barriers to participating in research.


The Research Engagement Network (REN)


Our local Research Engagement Network is coordinated by the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB), in collaboration with Thinklusive.

This initiative creates a platform for researchers to exchange experiences, foster learning and support underserved groups in research.

The Network:

  • Supports the local Integrated Care System to foster a local research environment that is supportive and inclusive for our diverse communities.
  • Builds trusting, mutually beneficial relationships with the community.
  • Listens to and understands local communities better.
  • Collaborates with community members and organisations to make research more inclusive and representative.
  • Highlights the need for making reasonable adjustments within research happening locally.
  • Provides a check and challenge to local research teams to create more accessible research.
  • Offers input, ideas, and recommendations to teams at all stages of the research process.

Your commitment as a Network member would be to:

  • Attend 1-hour bi-monthly meetings (a combination of online and in person).
  • Join the Let’s Talk group to talk to each other, share examples of best practice, provide secure space to store information and documents.
  • Be open to collaborating with members of the REN Network.
  • Share information regularly across your personal and professional local networks.

If you are interested in getting involved with our Research Engagement Network, then please fill in the form below and one of the team will get in touch with you.


Get Involved - Be part of Research

What is Be Part of Research?

Be Part of Research is a UK-wide service that helps people understand what research is and what it might mean to take part. It also shows what research is currently happening across the UK.


You can create a free account or search for trials and studies into health conditions you’re interested in, at locations near you.


Be Part of Research is run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in collaboration with the NHS and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The mission of the NIHR is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. Be Part of Research is funded by the UK government, through the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).


Why take part in research?

Every time someone receives treatment for a health condition, it's because of the many people who take part in health and care research.


Research is key to developing new treatments, finding better ways to manage health conditions and providing better care. Or preventing people from developing conditions in the first place. Without research, there would be no Covid vaccines, or no new treatments for cancer. But it's the people who take part in health research who make these vital discoveries possible. By taking part, you can help give people healthier lives - now, and in the future. It's easy to get involved - simply register with Be Part of Research at https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/join


There are many ways you can get involved:

  • Click on the Subscribe button to the right of the screen to stay informed about health and care research in Suffolk
  • Click on the Register button and participate on the Let's Talk platform to stay informed about wider health and social care in Suffolk.
  • Find out more about our Engagement Network by completing the form below.

  • Are you 'disabled enough'? Share your experience

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    A University of Leicester MSc researcher is exploring how disability eligibility is experienced in the UK and Canada.

    If you have lived experience of being disabled or an unpaid carer, or if you are a professional in this space, your insights could help shape this research.

    Who can take part?

    • Disabled individuals (18+) who have applied for support
    • Carers of family members
    • Disability practitioners/policy professionals

    What participation involves?

    • 30-45 minute interview
    • Online via Zoom or Teams
    • Confidential and voluntary

    Why your voice matters

    • Help highlight barriers in accessing disability support
    • Contribute to research aiming to improve fairness and accessibility

    Are you interested?

    Lead researcher: Brianna Bishop, University of Leicester

    To be involved get in touch via bab13@student.le.ac.uk


    A University of Leicester MSc researcher is exploring how disability eligibility is experienced in the UK and Canada.

    If you have lived experience of being disabled or an unpaid carer, or if you are a professional in this space, your insights could help shape this research.

    Who can take part?

    • Disabled individuals (18+) who have applied for support
    • Carers of family members
    • Disability practitioners/policy professionals

    What participation involves?

    • 30-45 minute interview
    • Online via Zoom or Teams
    • Confidential and voluntary

    Why your voice matters

    • Help highlight barriers in accessing disability support
    • Contribute to research aiming to improve fairness and accessibility

    Are you interested?

    Lead researcher: Brianna Bishop, University of Leicester

    To be involved get in touch via bab13@student.le.ac.uk


  • NIHR East of England Patient and Public Involvement Showcase

    Part of the NIHR East of England PPI Showcase & Discussion collection

    NIHR East of England Patient and Public Involvement Showcase
    Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, England
    Tuesday 16 June • 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    Overview

    What difference does public involvement make to our research in the East of England? Come and find out!

    Join us for this free in-person event for members of the public, carers, patients and research staff. The showcase is part of NIHR20, celebrating 20 years of life-changing health and social care from NIHR and the impact that public involvement has had on research in the East of England.

    Researchers at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Cambridge along with other the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructures within the East of England: Applied Research Collaboration, BioResource, Regional Research Delivery Network, HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Injury, Clinical Research Facilities from Norwich and Cambridge and Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and other BRC colleagues Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories and the Clinical School of Medicine, University of Cambridge are hosting a joint showcase of patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research across the East of England.

    NIHR has championed a system where people, communities and professionals shape outcomes. We are pioneers in patient and public involvement (PPI), ensuring that people from all backgrounds and communities actively shape research agendas and priorities.

    The showcase will have live talks, and a poster-and-networking session with light lunch and refreshments.

    Listen to researchers talk about their work and browse their posters - and find out how patient and public involvement is crucial to their work.

    If you are interested in finding out more about health research and how the public has helped make a difference to research, this event is for you. Network with researchers and the public highlighting the valuable work that is going on in the community.

    Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

    Please contact Georgina Norris via email: georgina.norris3@nhs.net

    To book a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nihr-east-of-england-patient-and-public-involvement-showcase-tickets-1983081311586?aff=odcleoeventsincollection


    Part of the NIHR East of England PPI Showcase & Discussion collection

    NIHR East of England Patient and Public Involvement Showcase
    Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, England
    Tuesday 16 June • 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    Overview

    What difference does public involvement make to our research in the East of England? Come and find out!

    Join us for this free in-person event for members of the public, carers, patients and research staff. The showcase is part of NIHR20, celebrating 20 years of life-changing health and social care from NIHR and the impact that public involvement has had on research in the East of England.

    Researchers at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Cambridge along with other the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructures within the East of England: Applied Research Collaboration, BioResource, Regional Research Delivery Network, HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Injury, Clinical Research Facilities from Norwich and Cambridge and Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and other BRC colleagues Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories and the Clinical School of Medicine, University of Cambridge are hosting a joint showcase of patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research across the East of England.

    NIHR has championed a system where people, communities and professionals shape outcomes. We are pioneers in patient and public involvement (PPI), ensuring that people from all backgrounds and communities actively shape research agendas and priorities.

    The showcase will have live talks, and a poster-and-networking session with light lunch and refreshments.

    Listen to researchers talk about their work and browse their posters - and find out how patient and public involvement is crucial to their work.

    If you are interested in finding out more about health research and how the public has helped make a difference to research, this event is for you. Network with researchers and the public highlighting the valuable work that is going on in the community.

    Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

    Please contact Georgina Norris via email: georgina.norris3@nhs.net

    To book a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nihr-east-of-england-patient-and-public-involvement-showcase-tickets-1983081311586?aff=odcleoeventsincollection


  • iACT4CARERS webinar: What we've learned from the iACT4CARERS Study

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    Webinar: What we've learned from the iACT4CARERS Study

    The Study team at the University of East Anglia are hosting an online dissemination event (webinar) to share the iACT4CARERS study findings with study participants. It will also be open to anyone with an interest in the research.

    Recruitment was highly successful, with the target reached six months ahead of the planned end date. The Study team have now completed all data analyses and have obtained strong evidence demonstrating both the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the online intervention for dementia carers.

    Anyone can register using the link below.

    Free Online Webinar: What We’ve Learned from the iACT4CARERS Study

    Join our Dissemination Event – 30 June 2026: Click here to register

    Webinar: What we've learned from the iACT4CARERS Study

    The Study team at the University of East Anglia are hosting an online dissemination event (webinar) to share the iACT4CARERS study findings with study participants. It will also be open to anyone with an interest in the research.

    Recruitment was highly successful, with the target reached six months ahead of the planned end date. The Study team have now completed all data analyses and have obtained strong evidence demonstrating both the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the online intervention for dementia carers.

    Anyone can register using the link below.

    Free Online Webinar: What We’ve Learned from the iACT4CARERS Study

    Join our Dissemination Event – 30 June 2026: Click here to register

  • Disability Inclusion Webinar: 8 June 2026

    Sharing details of a Disability Inclusion Webinar, jointly hosted by the Disability Inclusion in Research Collaboration (DIRECT), NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Leeds and Accelerated Surgical Care HealthTech Research Centre.

    ➡️ A global call to action for disability inclusion in health research.
    ➡️ Taking place at 15:00-16:30 BST on Monday 8th of June via Zoom.
    ➡️ Everyone is welcome to sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/disability-inclusion-webinar-tickets-1987387439330?aff=oddtdtcreator

    The webinar will outline key messages from our recently published global call to action for disability inclusion in health research: https://rdcu.be/efacT.

    DIRECT members with diverse lived and professional experiences of disability will share:

    ➡️ Key challenges to disability inclusion in health research.
    ➡️ Multi-level actions needed to address the challenges.
    ➡️ Practical examples of work focused on advancing disability inclusion.

    British Sign Language interpreting and real-time captioning will be provided. Slides will be shared before the webinar. The webinar recording and transcript will be shared after the webinar.

    Please contact the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre Patient and Public Involvement team on PPIBRC@Leeds.ac.uk with any questions or other accessibility needs for the webinar.


    Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/disability-inclusion-webinar-tickets-1987387439330?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Sharing details of a Disability Inclusion Webinar, jointly hosted by the Disability Inclusion in Research Collaboration (DIRECT), NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Leeds and Accelerated Surgical Care HealthTech Research Centre.

    ➡️ A global call to action for disability inclusion in health research.
    ➡️ Taking place at 15:00-16:30 BST on Monday 8th of June via Zoom.
    ➡️ Everyone is welcome to sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/disability-inclusion-webinar-tickets-1987387439330?aff=oddtdtcreator

    The webinar will outline key messages from our recently published global call to action for disability inclusion in health research: https://rdcu.be/efacT.

    DIRECT members with diverse lived and professional experiences of disability will share:

    ➡️ Key challenges to disability inclusion in health research.
    ➡️ Multi-level actions needed to address the challenges.
    ➡️ Practical examples of work focused on advancing disability inclusion.

    British Sign Language interpreting and real-time captioning will be provided. Slides will be shared before the webinar. The webinar recording and transcript will be shared after the webinar.

    Please contact the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre Patient and Public Involvement team on PPIBRC@Leeds.ac.uk with any questions or other accessibility needs for the webinar.


    Sign up at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/disability-inclusion-webinar-tickets-1987387439330?aff=oddtdtcreator

  • Risk of second cancers after radiotherapy treatment for cancer in childhood

    Risk of second cancers after radiotherapy treatment for cancer in childhood

    Sharing an important survey: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood from Shuang Wang, a PhD student at the Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital.

    “We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.”

    Every year, around 1,900 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in treatment, more children are surviving than ever before — but for some survivors, health challenges can appear years later. One of these is a second cancer: a new cancer that develops long after the first treatment.

    Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but it can sometimes increase the risk of a second cancer in the future. Although newer techniques are safer, we still don't fully understand how different treatments — or combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy — affect this long-term risk.

    To help support better follow-up care, screening, and information for patients and families, this research will focus on childhood cancer patients (diagnosed before age 18 years) in England using national NHS health records to improve understanding of long-term risks after childhood cancer treatment. By linking several national datasets, we can examine:

    • How treatments have changed over time

    • How radiotherapy affects the risk of second cancers

    • How different combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy affect the risk of second cancers.

    To make sure this research is meaningful and relevant, we are especially looking to hear from:

    • Adults who had cancer in childhood

    • Parents, carers, or family members of someone who had cancer in childhood.


    We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.

    SURVEY LINK: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood

    The survey closes on 31 May 2026

    Risk of second cancers after radiotherapy treatment for cancer in childhood

    Sharing an important survey: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood from Shuang Wang, a PhD student at the Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital.

    “We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.”

    Every year, around 1,900 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in treatment, more children are surviving than ever before — but for some survivors, health challenges can appear years later. One of these is a second cancer: a new cancer that develops long after the first treatment.

    Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but it can sometimes increase the risk of a second cancer in the future. Although newer techniques are safer, we still don't fully understand how different treatments — or combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy — affect this long-term risk.

    To help support better follow-up care, screening, and information for patients and families, this research will focus on childhood cancer patients (diagnosed before age 18 years) in England using national NHS health records to improve understanding of long-term risks after childhood cancer treatment. By linking several national datasets, we can examine:

    • How treatments have changed over time

    • How radiotherapy affects the risk of second cancers

    • How different combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy affect the risk of second cancers.

    To make sure this research is meaningful and relevant, we are especially looking to hear from:

    • Adults who had cancer in childhood

    • Parents, carers, or family members of someone who had cancer in childhood.


    We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.

    SURVEY LINK: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood

    The survey closes on 31 May 2026

  • Complaining about complaints

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    Do you support or care for an adult family member with learning disabilities?

    Have you made a complaint to their local authority adult social care team?

    If so we want to hear from you.


    Image Caption

    We are a team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University.


    We want to understand how family members of adults with learning disabilities experience local authority adult social care complaint processes. We are looking for people to talk confidentially about their experiences of making a complaint to their local authority (council) about their family member’s care or support.

    We want to develop a set of resources to help local authorities (councils), social care professionals and students better understand what it is like to raise a complaint.

    Are you a family member of an adult with learning disabilities who has made a complaint to their relatives adult social care department?

    or,

    Are you a local authority member of staff who has experience of receiving, handling or managing complaints from family members regarding adult social care?

    If so and you would be willing to talk to a researcher about your experiences we would love to hear from you. Please email f.ribenfors@mmu.ac.uk

    For more information:

    email: f.ribenfors@mmu.ac.uk

    Visit our website: https://complaingaboutcomplaints.my.canva.site/complaints/

    Join our mailing list: https://forms.office.com/e/GGPnUgGVPC

    EthOS ID: 81928

    Do you support or care for an adult family member with learning disabilities?

    Have you made a complaint to their local authority adult social care team?

    If so we want to hear from you.


    Image Caption

    We are a team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University.


    We want to understand how family members of adults with learning disabilities experience local authority adult social care complaint processes. We are looking for people to talk confidentially about their experiences of making a complaint to their local authority (council) about their family member’s care or support.

    We want to develop a set of resources to help local authorities (councils), social care professionals and students better understand what it is like to raise a complaint.

    Are you a family member of an adult with learning disabilities who has made a complaint to their relatives adult social care department?

    or,

    Are you a local authority member of staff who has experience of receiving, handling or managing complaints from family members regarding adult social care?

    If so and you would be willing to talk to a researcher about your experiences we would love to hear from you. Please email f.ribenfors@mmu.ac.uk

    For more information:

    email: f.ribenfors@mmu.ac.uk

    Visit our website: https://complaingaboutcomplaints.my.canva.site/complaints/

    Join our mailing list: https://forms.office.com/e/GGPnUgGVPC

    EthOS ID: 81928

  • Webinar: How to write a plain English summary

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    Webinar: How to write a plain English summary
    Mar 24, 2026 12:00 PM

    An integral part of research that is funded by NIHR is to ensure that patients, carers, service users and the public have the opportunity to shape and influence the relevance, quality and impact of our health and care research.

    A plain English summary is a clear, brief summary of the research, written for members of the public rather than researchers or professionals. This webinar will be relevant to you if you are an NIHR-funded researcher or a researcher applying for an NIHR career development award.

    The webinar will cover:

    ➡️ NIHR’s Strategic Commitments for Public Partnerships
    ➡️ explanation of plain English summaries and their importance
    ➡️ how to write one and what to include
    ➡️ what support is available through the Research Support Service (RSS)
    ➡️ signposting to useful resources.

    By attending this webinar, you will discover:

    ➡️ an in-depth understanding of plain English summaries and how to write an effective one
    ➡️ insights from a public contributor that you can apply to your research application.

    The 60-minute webinar will be facilitated by Linda Onerhime-Prince, Senior NIHR PPI Manager and Dr Jo Lally, Strategic Lead for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, NIHR RSS.


    Click here to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3017719437178/WN_zaGOItLdSwiR3PnbbhLuHg#/registration

    Webinar: How to write a plain English summary
    Mar 24, 2026 12:00 PM

    An integral part of research that is funded by NIHR is to ensure that patients, carers, service users and the public have the opportunity to shape and influence the relevance, quality and impact of our health and care research.

    A plain English summary is a clear, brief summary of the research, written for members of the public rather than researchers or professionals. This webinar will be relevant to you if you are an NIHR-funded researcher or a researcher applying for an NIHR career development award.

    The webinar will cover:

    ➡️ NIHR’s Strategic Commitments for Public Partnerships
    ➡️ explanation of plain English summaries and their importance
    ➡️ how to write one and what to include
    ➡️ what support is available through the Research Support Service (RSS)
    ➡️ signposting to useful resources.

    By attending this webinar, you will discover:

    ➡️ an in-depth understanding of plain English summaries and how to write an effective one
    ➡️ insights from a public contributor that you can apply to your research application.

    The 60-minute webinar will be facilitated by Linda Onerhime-Prince, Senior NIHR PPI Manager and Dr Jo Lally, Strategic Lead for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, NIHR RSS.


    Click here to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/3017719437178/WN_zaGOItLdSwiR3PnbbhLuHg#/registration

  • The Cancer Act Study: Request for Participant Recruitment Support

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    Dr Priya Joshi is an oncologist who is working on an MBA thesis on Access to Cancer Information. She is investigating whether The Cancer Act 1939 (which restricts advertising of cancer treatment in the UK) remains fit for purpose in today’s digital environment. Dr Joshi is looking at how social media impacts access to cancer information, potential barriers to evidence-based treatment knowledge for UK patients and understanding how best to counter misinformation online.

    The research consists of an anonymous online survey, which would take between 20-30 mins. Participants would be one of four key groups:

    • Adults who have received cancer treatment in the UK within the last three years (or a family member or friend who completes the survey on the patient’s behalf, with permission).
    • Healthcare professionals who consult with cancer patients.
    • Pharmaceutical marketing and compliance personnel.
    • Managers in third sector, or private healthcare.

    Please consider taking or disseminating the survey within your networks.

    Survey links:

    Dr Priya Joshi is an oncologist who is working on an MBA thesis on Access to Cancer Information. She is investigating whether The Cancer Act 1939 (which restricts advertising of cancer treatment in the UK) remains fit for purpose in today’s digital environment. Dr Joshi is looking at how social media impacts access to cancer information, potential barriers to evidence-based treatment knowledge for UK patients and understanding how best to counter misinformation online.

    The research consists of an anonymous online survey, which would take between 20-30 mins. Participants would be one of four key groups:

    • Adults who have received cancer treatment in the UK within the last three years (or a family member or friend who completes the survey on the patient’s behalf, with permission).
    • Healthcare professionals who consult with cancer patients.
    • Pharmaceutical marketing and compliance personnel.
    • Managers in third sector, or private healthcare.

    Please consider taking or disseminating the survey within your networks.

    Survey links:

  • Increasing Diversity in Research Participation

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    A good practice guide for engaging with underrepresented groups

    This guide is designed for researchers from a wide and varied audience.

    Its purpose is:

    • To help researchers understand why research participation might be low in a group

    • To provide meaningful insights into working with groups where participation in research is low

    • To provide practical suggestions to increase participation in research.


    This work was undertaken in two phases:

    1. A review of the available literature, contemporary media and online insights to explore existing understanding and resources

    2. Outreach work with six underrepresented groups to understand challenges and enablers to getting involved in research, and to co-develop practical tips to address these


    Insights drawn from both phases of work have underpinned the development of this guide, which has been co-developed with the groups in question.

    The first half of this guide provides context, background, and insights into the challenges around recruiting a diverse participant base.

    The second half outlines practical tips, guidance, and case studies from the underrepresented groups. This guide is relevant to all research professionals but for brevity throughout the guide we refer to the audience as those working in patient and clinical research.

    View the good practice guide, here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2023/02/B1905-increasing-diversity-in-research-participation-v2.pdf.pdf

    A good practice guide for engaging with underrepresented groups

    This guide is designed for researchers from a wide and varied audience.

    Its purpose is:

    • To help researchers understand why research participation might be low in a group

    • To provide meaningful insights into working with groups where participation in research is low

    • To provide practical suggestions to increase participation in research.


    This work was undertaken in two phases:

    1. A review of the available literature, contemporary media and online insights to explore existing understanding and resources

    2. Outreach work with six underrepresented groups to understand challenges and enablers to getting involved in research, and to co-develop practical tips to address these


    Insights drawn from both phases of work have underpinned the development of this guide, which has been co-developed with the groups in question.

    The first half of this guide provides context, background, and insights into the challenges around recruiting a diverse participant base.

    The second half outlines practical tips, guidance, and case studies from the underrepresented groups. This guide is relevant to all research professionals but for brevity throughout the guide we refer to the audience as those working in patient and clinical research.

    View the good practice guide, here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/aac/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2023/02/B1905-increasing-diversity-in-research-participation-v2.pdf.pdf

  • NIHR Public Committees

    The NIHR (National Institute for Health & Care Research are looking for members of the public to join their committees and help shape the health and care research they fund.

    "You don’t need a scientific background - we want people from all walks of life who can use their lived experience to improve research, ensure it reflects real‑world needs and help address health and care inequalities."

    As a public committee member, you will:


    • influence which research gets funded
    • help ensure proposals are relevant, inclusive and impactful
    • build skills in reviewing, collaboration and public speaking
    • access training and connect with a diverse research community

    The NIHR welcome applications from across the UK and particularly encourage people aged 18-40, who are currently underrepresented on current committees.

    If you’re interested in making a difference to health and social care research, find out more and apply by 27 February 2026.

    Find out more, here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/committees/public/vacancies/public-committee-member-0

    The NIHR (National Institute for Health & Care Research are looking for members of the public to join their committees and help shape the health and care research they fund.

    "You don’t need a scientific background - we want people from all walks of life who can use their lived experience to improve research, ensure it reflects real‑world needs and help address health and care inequalities."

    As a public committee member, you will:


    • influence which research gets funded
    • help ensure proposals are relevant, inclusive and impactful
    • build skills in reviewing, collaboration and public speaking
    • access training and connect with a diverse research community

    The NIHR welcome applications from across the UK and particularly encourage people aged 18-40, who are currently underrepresented on current committees.

    If you’re interested in making a difference to health and social care research, find out more and apply by 27 February 2026.

    Find out more, here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/get-involved/committees/public/vacancies/public-committee-member-0

Page last updated: 14 May 2026, 02:44 PM