Patients, Carers and the Public

Get involved in research

Be Part of Research is a service that makes it easy for the public to learn about and search for research studies. Discover how research studies are designed, what happens when you decide to take part and the importance of taking part. You can:

• use the search tool to find current research studies happening right now
• find studies taking place near you
• filter results easily by age, health condition etc
• use the site on desktop or mobile
• download, save or print the full study details so you can talk to your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional

Once you’ve found a study, you can see all the details including who to contact and ask to take part.

Whether you have been diagnosed with a condition or not, everyone can take part in research. Find a study that’s right for you.

Find studies in:

• our region of south London

If you’d like to discuss getting involved in research in south London, please contact our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead, Robert Pleass at robert.pleass@nihr.ac.uk

Interested in taking part in dementia research studies? 

Register with Join Dementia Research so that you can be told when a study starts in your area and the researchers are looking for people just like you. There's no obligation to take part in any study, but by registering, you’ll find out when new opportunities become available. The service is delivered in partnership by the NIHR, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland. 

What are Research Champions?

Research Champions volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research to patients and the public, and especially those groups who are currently less likely to take part in research. They also help research and healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research.

They are patients, carers, members of the public, people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something that they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatment for everyone.

In November 2019, we hosted an event at Guy's Hospital for Research Champions across London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

What can Research Champions do?

What you contribute as a Research Champion will be shaped around your interests, skills and time. Some commit to regular activities while others may volunteer as opportunities arise. Research Champions may volunteer to get involved in some of the activities listed below:

• talk to patients and the public about health and care research e.g. by giving talks, hosting coffee mornings or hosting stands within the local community, visiting health services
• raise awareness amongst friends and family about research and being a champion for taking part in health and care research amongst people they know
• promote the Be Part of Research campaign to patient, public groups and help people find out about research studies they can take part in
• promote the Join Dementia Research website and the importance of dementia research to the public
• visit local health and care organisations to tell people about health and care research and encourage them to connect with local research teams
• take part in local actions to mark International Clinical Trials Day and health awareness days
• write about their experiences of participating in health and care research to share with the NIHR or other platforms
• speak to patient groups about health and care research

Contact our Patient and Public Involvement Lead Robert Pleass at robert.pleass@nihr.ac.uk if you’d like to discuss becoming a Research Champion for our region.

Your experiences can help to shape research

Participant experience is a key part of research delivery. Understanding the experience of participants and the reasons why people decide to take part in research helps to improve processes for all involved. Every year, we carry out a survey of people who have taken part in research.

Please get in touch if you'd like to complete the survey by contacting our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead Robert Pleass.

Email: robert.pleass@nihr.ac.uk 

Your experiences can help to shape research

Participant experience is a key part of research delivery. Understanding the experience of participants and the reasons why people decide to take part in research helps to improve processes for all involved. Every year, CRN South London carries out a survey of people who have taken part in research.

You can complete the survey on SurveyMonkey, if you have any questions or comments please get in touch by contacting our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Lead Robert Pleass.

Email: robert.pleass@nihr.ac.uk