National Conference Celebrates Record Attendance in Leicester

A remarkable 552 delegates gathered in Leicester for the 19th Annual UK Clinical Research Facility (UKCRF) Network Conference, setting a new attendance record for the national event.  

The conference, which explored how to widen access to medical research to more people in more communities, concluded on 5 July with resounding success. 

Held at Leicester’s Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, the two-day event brought together national and international experts, doctors, nurses and health practitioners including many from the University of Leicester who carry out research as part of their roles.

The event featured sessions from the set-up and delivery of clinical trials, to engaging with under-represented communities. It served as a crucial platform for emphasising the role of patient and public involvement in shaping the future of clinical research. 

Nigel Brunskill, Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester and Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leicester Clinical Research Facility (CRF), chaired the conference and welcomed delegates saying: "We hope you'll be inspired to put into practise some of the things you learn here."  

Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust spoke of Leicester being one the most diverse and inclusive cities in the UK adding: "If you want to conduct research in a global population, you don't need to step beyond our city."  
 
Keynote speakers included Professor Ivan Browne, Professor of Public Health, and Social Determinants of Health at De Montfort University and Professor Ruth Endacott, NIHR Director of Nursing and Midwifery. 
 
Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi, Lead Nurse for Research at Moorfields Eye Hospital, focused on patient and public involvement in clinical research. Her session addressed strategies for ensuring that clinical research opportunities are accessible to all communities.  
 
Dr Crosby-Nwaobi remarked: “Health research is an act of humanity aiming for health equity, giving hope for the future. As clinical research staff, we should ensure that our patients, families, and communities are able to access research opportunities.
 
Delegates appreciated the numerous opportunities to connect with peers, experts and sponsors, fostering collaboration and preparing for future complex trials. One of the delegates shared with Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Professor of Primary Care Diabetics and Vascular medicine, after his session: “It is good opportunity to network and meet people in real life whose research papers I read and quote in my research.” 
 
Paul Brown, UKCRF Network Operational Director, said: “This year’s conference set a new benchmark for inclusivity and engagement in clinical research.”   

“With a focus on innovative strategies to overcome barriers, the UKCRF Network is dedicated to continuing these important conversations and driving change in clinical research practices to ensure inclusivity and equal access for all.” 

• For more information about the UKCRF Network and future events visit the website or contact info@ukcrfnetwork.com. 

• The NIHR Leicester BRC is part of the NIHR and hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust in partnership with the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.