A London-wide REN event bringing partners together to celebrate achievements, exchange learning, and shape the future of research.

Since 2023, NHS England and the National Institute of Health Research have been funding research engagement networks across the country.  Engaging in research contributes to advancements in medical treatments and care practices, benefiting current and future generations.  Each integrated care system in London has set up their research engagement networks differently, but all are focused on getting people involved and participating in research.

This is the first event to bring all the research engagement networks together for a collaborative and action-focused day to celebrate achievements and share insights from across sites. Throughout the day, we will explore how we build and sustain trusted relationships with communities through research and agree on collective priorities for the future.

About this event

This London-wide REN event creates space to recognise achievements, reflect on progress, strengthen connections and shape the next phase of inclusive research engagement.

Through interactive research cafés, shared discussion and a live ‘Research Chat Show’, we will explore how trust and continuity can be embedded in the way we work with communities, particularly those less likely to engage in research.

Who should attend?

• London REN partners and engagement leads
• Researchers and research delivery staff
• Community leaders and voluntary sector partners
• NIHR and NHS colleagues supporting inclusive research

Agenda

9:00 – Registration & Networking: Arrival, refreshments and informal networking opportunities.

9:30 – Welcome & Scene setting: Short welcome speech to set the scene.

9:45 – The National REN Programme: models, impact and learning:Overview of REN programme, including delivery models, key performance indicators/indicators of value, collaboration with community groups and researchers, progress embedding within Integrated Care Board (ICB) structures and link to the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). Katherine Jeays-Ward and Alice Williams, NHSE REN team Gemma Jones, Kings Health Partners.

10:30 – Research Inclusion Across London: REN teams showcase: Presentations from the REN teams highlighting their approaches, outcomes, partnership working, and local impact. Includes reflections on evaluation and learning.

11:15 – Coffee Break & Networking: Informal opportunity to connect and discuss morning insights.

11:35 – Research Cafes – Morning Session:Interactive workshops exploring priority topics emerging from the morning sessions. Allowing attendees to engage with projects and share learning.

1. Mabadiliko CIC and Two Mindful Bees Ltd
2. South West London St George’s University Hospitals and Positive Network – Dementia and Arthritis Research Café
3. South and North London Regional Research Delivery Networks – Primary care research engagement

12:35 – Lunch & Networking: Informal opportunity to connect across REN sites.

13:35 – Research Cafes – Afternoon Session: Interactive workshops on different topics; each topic repeated so attendees can join their preferred sessions. Builds on morning discussions to explore practical approaches and collaboration opportunities.

14:35 – Research Chat Show: Panel discussion: How do we continue to build trust and relationships with communities, especially those less likely to engage? Guest speakers: Rachel Faulkner (RRDN), Natasha Curran (Health Innovation Network), Adam Kamenetzky (Mabadiliko CIC), Sam van Elk (King’s College London), and Jodie Chan (Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London).

15:35 – Quiz

15:45 – Reflections, Actions & Close: Summarising key insights, agreed priorities, and next steps for collaborative research engagement.

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