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. Speaker: Catherine Heffernan, South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB).

9:40 – The National REN Programme: Models, impact and learning:

Overview of the REN programme, including delivery models, collaboration with community groups and researchers, progress embedding within Integrated Care Board (ICB) structures, impact made and learning.

• Katherine Jeays-Ward, NHSE REN team

10:10 – 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.

• West and North London: Jacob Brisley and Michelle Oritsejafor
• North East London: Hilarious (Harry) de Jesus
• South East London: Adam Kamenetzky and Dr Rachna Chowla
• South West London: Thomas Herweijer and Monique Taratula-Lyons

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 – ‘We’re sat at the table… but can we eat?’: navigating conflict & power when communities enter research spaces
2. South West London St George’s University Hospitals and Positive Network – Dementia and Arthritis Research Cafés in South West London
3. South and North London Regional Research Delivery Networks – The roles of NIHR Research Delivery Network and how we work with communities, research organisations and research study participants

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.

1. Mabadiliko CIC and Two Mindful Bees Ltd – ‘We’re sat at the table… but can we eat?’: navigating conflict & power when communities enter research spaces
2. South West London St George’s University Hospitals and Positive Network – Dementia and Arthritis Research Cafés
3. South and North London Regional Research Delivery Networks – The roles of NIHR Research Delivery Network and how we work with communities, research organisations and research study participants
4. Jessica Sheringham – Local authority public health research: What is it and how can we achieve it?

14:35 – Research Chat Show: Panel discussion: How do we continue to build trust and relationships with communities, especially those less likely to engage?

• Host: Catherine Heffernan
• Guest speakers: Rachel Faulkner (RRDN), Nadine Fontaine-Palmer (Mabadiliko CIC), Sam van Elk (King’s College London), and Erin Walker (Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London)

15:35 – Quiz

15:50 – Reflections, Actions & Close: Summarising key insights, agreed priorities, and what next for collaborative research engagement. Speaker: Catherine Heffernan

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