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CRN West Midlands spreads the research message at Birmingham 2022

From Coventry to Wolverhampton, the #BePartOfResearch message was handed to the people of the West Midlands across Queens Baton Relay events as the Clinical Research West Midlands (CRN WM) made the most of the recent Commonwealth Games to engage with communities.

Attending Games-related events before and during the spectacular, Network staff were involved in this global celebration of sport, giving them the chance to spread the word about the research taking place in the region.

Clinical Director, Professor Matthew Brookes said: ‘The Games have given us a springboard to establish a research legacy that creates a catalyst for change, helps the region to grow, and puts us on the global stage during the Games and in the future.

‘The Team met some great people out and about in Coventry, Sandwell, Tipton, Wolverhampton and Walsall - thank you to everyone who came along to talk to us, including Valerie Vaz MP and Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Richard Jones.

'It was a great opportunity to debunk some myths about research as well as give people more information about how they could get involved.'

The Games’ ambition is to leave a lasting, positive impact on jobs, skills, education, culture, physical activity and investment across the West Midlands and the UK. The CRN has used the events to:

  • Bring research opportunities into the community and help improve health outcomes for all
  • Ensure we offer research opportunities to the people and places which could benefit the most under-represented groups
  • Build on the success of the volunteer programme from the Games and create a Network of research volunteers and Champions that reflect our region’s vibrant, young and diverse population
  • Use the Games as a turning point in tackling health inequalities through research

Pictured is Bhavesh Patel, CRN Accountant, with Perry the Games Mascot in Victoria Park Tipton - pictures of all the other events the Network attended are available on request.

Interested in signing up to #BePartOfResearch?  Go to www.bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk