London Research Engagement Networks: Celebrating Impact & What’s Next…
09:00 - 15:45 | 21 April 2026 | London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London, SE1 0AA
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.
What to expect:
- Showcases from London REN sites highlighting community engagement approaches
- Time to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with peers across organisations
- Strategic conversations focused on future priorities and shared action
- A live Research Chat Show on building and sustaining trusted relationships
- Informal networking opportunities throughout the day
Who should attend?
- London REN partners and engagement leads
- Researchers and research delivery staff
- Community 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 across the UK, including delivery models, KPIs/indicators of value, collaboration with community groups and researchers, and progress embedding within ICB structures. Suggested speakers: NHSE REN leaders, SL/NL RRDN, possibly someone from exiting ARCs to reflect on legacy.
10:30 – Research Inclusion Across London: ICS programmes showcase: Presentations from the 5 ICSs 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 – Programme Insight: evaluation and key learning: Short session summarising any evaluation undertaken and key insights for future REN activity.
11:55 – Research Cafes: Interactive workshops exploring priority topics emerging from the morning sessions. Allowing attendees to engage with projects and share learning.
12:30 – Lunch & Networking: Informal opportunity to connect across REN sites.
13:30 – Research Cafes: Two parallel 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.
14:45 – Tea Break & Networking: Refreshments and continued informal discussion.
15:00 – Research Chat Show: Panel discussion: How do we continue to build trust and relationships with communities, especially those less likely to engage?
15:40 – Reflections, Actions & Close: Summarising key insights, agreed priorities, and next steps for collaborative research engagement.
15:45 – Event Closes
