Every day thousands of patients, carers and the public go the extra mile to help the NIHR make research happen. There are many ways you can join in and be part of research.
Every minute in the UK, someone is diagnosed with a disease or condition. The treatment and support they will receive will, at some point, have been informed by research. Whether it's testing a new medicine, a new surgery procedure or scan, or trying healthier lifestyle choices to prevent disease, everyone has an important role to play - if they want to.
There are lots of different types of research. Research usually involves examining and observing people with different conditions and sometimes comparing them with people who don't have the condition. It can also involve research on samples of blood or other tissues, or tests such as scans or X-rays. Sometimes it might involve surveys or interviews.
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:
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 the condition or not, everyone can take part in research. Find a study that's right for you.
Find studies in:
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.
Research Champions are people who volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research to patients and the public, and especially to 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.
The role of a Research Champion can vary depending on the interests, skills and time of the volunteer. Some commit to regular activities, while others may volunteer as opportunities arise. Research champions may volunteer to get involved in:
If you have any queries on becoming a research champion, contact Evie Chandler via ppie.crnyorkshumber@nihr.ac.uk or on 07909372253.
The PRES is a set of questions that we conduct in collaboration with our partner organisations to understand and evaluate the experience of people taking part in research. The questionnaire is conducted every year to help us to understand more about the experience of clinical research patients across our region. All responses are anonymous.
The results help us to identify positive patient experiences, as well as highlight areas for development and improvement.
Our 2021/22 survey results are in.
If you have any queries regarding the PRES, contact Evie Chandler via ppie.crnyorkshumber@nihr.ac.uk or on 07909372253.
02 December 2021
Taking part in an SAFA study to help more suitable treatment options for Acne
21 September 2021
An NHS worker in West Yorkshire experienced first hand what it was like to be part of research at the hospital where he worked after being asked to participate in a cancer study.
24 August 2021
Caron became a Research Champion after taking part in the BEST3 study
12 November 2020
Jess, a participant in the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine study in Bradford, describes why she thinks it's vital that people sign up to take part in vaccine studies.
05 March 2020
Neil was made employee of the month following his return to work after taking part in the Working Win research study.
Dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face today. The number of people with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other types of dementia is set to double over the next 30 years. Research offers hope. It is only through research that we can understand what causes the disease and develop effective treatments, improve care and one day find a cure.
Join Dementia Research is a service which allows people to register their interest in participating in dementia research and be matched to suitable studies. The service delivers new opportunities for people to play their part in beating dementia, connecting researchers with people who want to participate in studies.
To find out more about how you can get involved in dementia research, and to register to be part of the service, visit the Join Dementia Research website.
