Health and Care Research



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. The success and high profile of public interest in research has been evidenced in the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment programmes. NHS England are working with other health sector partners to ensure research becomes an increasingly integral aspect of healthcare provision.


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.


Research in Suffolk and North East Essex

The ‘Community Voices in Research’ programme, funded by NHS England and developed in partnership with NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, aims 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.



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 and North East Essex.
  • Click on the Register button and participate on Let's Talk SNEE to stay informed about wider health and social care in Suffolk and North East Essex.
  • Find out more about our Suffolk and North East Essex Research Engagement Network by completing the form below.



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. The success and high profile of public interest in research has been evidenced in the COVID-19 vaccine and treatment programmes. NHS England are working with other health sector partners to ensure research becomes an increasingly integral aspect of healthcare provision.


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.


Research in Suffolk and North East Essex

The ‘Community Voices in Research’ programme, funded by NHS England and developed in partnership with NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, aims 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.



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 and North East Essex.
  • Click on the Register button and participate on Let's Talk SNEE to stay informed about wider health and social care in Suffolk and North East Essex.
  • Find out more about our Suffolk and North East Essex Research Engagement Network by completing the form below.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Call for Participants - Exploring the gender-based harassment and sexism on the wellbeing of teachers in secondary schools

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    The purpose of this study is to investigate what experiences of sexism and gender-based harassment teachers experience during their work both from students and colleagues.

    It will give people the opportunity to share your experiences in as much detail as they feel comfortable.

    The study will also look at the wellbeing and retention of teachers to investigate whether there is a link between experiences of gender-based harassment and plans to leave the profession.

    If you are interested in taking part in this research, please fill out your details and the researcher will be in touch shortly: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Ec2bnHqXnE6poLxzQJAWSqh7QvuC9qVHlbzKnx6U2XxUMzRJRVpBS041U0ZOSVJLVE44TExFSDA2OS4u&route=shorturl

  • NIHR Webinar - How to Develop a PPI Group

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    NIHR Webinar - How to Develop a PPI Group
    Feb 18, 2026 10:30 AM


    What is the webinar series about?
    Patient and public involvement is a prerequisite for all research funded by NIHR. It can enhance the relevance and quality of research and help build trust in the research and its outcomes.

    But how do we do it effectively? What lessons can we learn from when things didn’t go as well as intended? And how do the UK public involvement standards find expression in practice?

    This webinar series, drawing on the experiences of public contributors and researchers, will showcase examples of patient and public involvement in NIHR funded research. Our next webinar of the series is called "How to Develop a PPI Group"

    Speakers include: Christina King - Chair of the Prehabilitation PPI group & Sarah Murray - Chair of the National PPI Group for the BHF CRC for Cardiac Surgery at Leicester University.

    About this event:
    The Bristol-based PPI group has worked as part of the heart surgery prehabilitation research team for four years, evolving from a development grant partner into an essential component of the current study. We will reflect on our journey, discussing both the successes we’ve celebrated and the hurdles we’ve overcome. By sharing this practical knowledge, we hope to offer valuable insights to the research community and public contributors on how PPI can effectively co design and improve medical research.


    Book your place, here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lsa7wAnaT8OwoeSwb0zfiA#/registration

  • Can technology assist in autism diagnosis?

    New active autism study!😮 Can technology assist in autism diagnosis and address the current long NHS wait times?

    Are you autistic? Waiting for an Autism diagnosis? Or a Health Care Professional? Register to take part in our study! If you take part, you will receive a £10 Amazon voucher and contribute to some very impactful research.

    Get involved by scanning the QR code or following this link: Participant Information Form

  • What is it like to grieve who the person was before their brain injury?

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    A call for participants from Elizabeth Gilmour at the University of Plymouth:

    "We are currently seeking family members of people with Brain Injuries (acquired or traumatic) to participate in an interview to discuss their feelings of grief after their family member sustained their injury and who are still alive. Whether you are a parent, a child, or an extended family member, we would love to hear from you.

    This research aims to get a better understanding of your experiences so that we can better help. The interview should not last more than an hour and a half (You do not have to use all the time), and will be on Zoom. If you would prefer, an in-person meeting can be arranged at the University of Plymouth. You will be sent the potential interview questions beforehand so you can decide whether you are happy to answer them.

    I understand that discussing these topics can be challenging, especially with someone unfamiliar. If you have any questions, please get in touch, and I would be happy to answer them.

    If you would like to get involved, have questions, or want more information, please email: elizabeth.gilmour@plymouth.ac.uk"

  • Developing a formal public contributor agreement for public involvement at the Health Research Authority

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    The Health Research Authority (HRA) is looking for members of the public to get involved in 2 online workshops to help us develop a formal public contributor agreement.

    Why are we doing this work?

    We had previously developed the HRA Ways of working with the HRA Community Committee to support our duty to ensure people are treated with dignity and respect, but we now want to be clear how we will take action if expectations are not met.

    What is the activity?

    We would like your involvement in developing a formal public contributor agreement that will be made between the HRA and public contributors at the start of their involvement with us.

    We would also like your input into what actions may be taken by the HRA if expectations are not met, ensuring that everyone is treated consistently and fairly.

    What is involved?

    We have developed a draft agreement that we would like you to review and then share your thoughts on in two workshops that we will hold on Thursday 26 February 2026 and Thursday 19 March 2026.

    Both workshops will be held from 10am to 12pm virtually on Zoom and we will include a 15-minute break.

    The public contributor draft agreement will be sent to you one week in advance for you to review.

    We will hold 2 workshops with 8 members of the public and 8 members of HRA staff where everyone can let us know if the draft agreement meets the purpose for which it is being developed.

    What difference will I make?

    Your input will help us make sure that going forward, we can have better relationships with our public contributors because everyone is clear on expectations from the outset, and what to do if this is not the case, so that everyone is treated consistently and fairly.

    You will also help make sure that the agreement is developed using wording that is inclusive and easy to understand.

    We will listen to feedback from you and HRA staff taking part in both workshops and let you know what changes we have made as a result of the workshops. Where we cannot action your suggestions, we will explain why.

    What support will I receive?

    Our HRA Community Ways of Working sets out what you can expect when working with us, and our expectations for working together respectfully, inclusively and impactfully.

    We have a small team at the HRA who will support your involvement with this piece of work.

    If you are invited to take part in this activity, we will ask you to share your access and support needs and any requests for reasonable adjustments.

    What skills or experience do I need to take part?

    You should have experience completing preparatory reading or materials ahead of group sessions and be able to bring insights or reflections from this pre‑reading into the workshop discussions.

    You should be comfortable contributing to group conversations, sharing perspectives, and actively participating in all aspects of the workshop including in breakout rooms.

    You should have the ability to listen to and respect different opinions, recognising that others may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

    To apply, please provide your answers to the questions in our accessible online form

    If you experience any problem using the accessible form, please email the public involvement team for support using ‘agreement’ in the email subject line or call us on 020 7104 8161.

    The deadline to apply is by midday on Monday 2 February 2026.

    How will you decide who will be involved?

    We will remove your name from your application and two members of HRA staff will consider your responses. We will shortlist people who have met the criteria to join the group. If we receive many applications that meets the criteria, we will select at random.

    We will let you know whether you have been successful by Wednesday 11 February 2026.

    Will I receive payment?

    In line with our payments policy, we can offer:

    • £25 to prepare for being involved in this work by reading the documents that we send you and attending a short briefing meeting if required
    • £50 for taking part in an informal workshop
    • £25 for attending a meeting to exchange feedback on your involvement, to include preparation and reviewing notes

    Will my expenses be covered?

    Yes. It is our policy to cover reasonable expenses, if agreed in advance. For example, travel, additional childcare, or for a carer or personal assistant. We offer a £5 contribution towards any incidental expenses incurred by attending online meetings.

  • Storytelling for public contributors

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    Storytelling for public contributors

    Sharing details of an upcoming webinar from NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health on storytelling for public contributors.

    This opportunity is for people who...

    • Are public contributors or interested in getting involved in research

    • Want to develop skills in storytelling and communicating their connection with research

    Who are NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health?

    The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Specialist Centre for Public Health provides expert guidance and support for researchers working in public health. They also offer training and development opportunities for public contributors involved in research.

    About the webinar

    This free, online webinar, Storytelling for Public Contributors, focuses on helping public contributors build confidence in speaking about their involvement in research. Led by Duncan Yellowlees, the session will explore techniques for:

    • Telling the story behind your connection to research

    • Making your contributions engaging and relatable

    • Ensuring audiences understand the projects you are part of

    The session includes guidance on connecting with audiences, structuring your thoughts, and presenting your lived experience clearly.

    When and where

    11 February, 10.00-11.15, online. Book your place here: https://tinyurl.com/35h7u37m

  • Involving Children and Young People - Learning from Co-produced evaluations

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    Webinar: Evaluating Public Involvement with children and young people 🌟

    Come and hear from the University of Hertfordshire young people's advisory group and researchers working with them at Webinar #4 of the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) ARC National Importance of Public Involvement in Research Webinar Series: Involving Children and Young People: Learning from co-produced evaluations
    Online, 17 February 2026, 12.00-13.30.


    Presenters: , Helen Abnett, Lauren Denyer and members of the CRIPACC young people's advisory group (Herts YPAG).
    Chaired by Stan Papoulias and facilitated by Elspeth Mathie.

    More information and booking: https://lnkd.in/e4kFdWh4

    Information on the wider series and recordings of previous webinars: https://lnkd.in/eYEiR7qD

    Webinar organised by NIHR ARC East of England PenARC (NIHR ARC South West Peninsula) NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London


  • Experiences of Diagnosis (PREM Study)

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    Have you received a mental health diagnosis?

    Sharing research from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT):

    "We are looking for people who have received a mental health diagnosis from a healthcare professional/provider when they were 18 years old or above. If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you!"

    "NSFT Researchers, along with partners at the University of Ottawa, are developing a questionnaire to measure how people experience the mental health diagnosis process. We are recruiting people to help us develop this questionnaire. This would involve completing a series of online questions, which should take 20-30 minutes."

    "You will receive a £5 Amazon voucher in return for your participation."

    "Participants can be staff members who have received a diagnosis, loved ones or your service users."

    If you’re interested to find out more, and take the survey, please click here Research Study: Development of Mental Health Diagnosis Patient Reported Experience Measure

    "Alternatively, send an email at researchinfo@nsft.nhs.uk quoting ‘Diagnosis Measure’ and the team will be in touch with more information.

    The PREM Study is sponsored by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.


Page last updated: 24 Feb 2026, 11:48 AM