The Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) community showed their continued commitment to research by encouraging all to ‘Be Part of Research’ on 20 May - International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD).
ICTD was a great opportunity to show appreciation for clinical research professionals, patients and participants for their efforts in improving public health.
HSC R&D is pleased to support the National Institute of Health and Care Research’s Be Part of Research campaign, which launched on ICTD. Be Part of Research is a free service, which makes it easy to find and take part in health and social care research across the UK.
In Northern Ireland, the research community celebrated ICTD through raising awareness in support of this year’s campaign, with the theme: ‘Rethinking Clinical Trials: Inclusivity in Practice’ as well as encouraging people to get involved or take part in research.
Marking the occasion, Dr Rhonda Campbell, newly appointed Assistant Director of HSC R&D, said:
“Without Health and Social Care research we wouldn’t have the healthcare we have. HSC R&D continues to support better health and social care research through collaborative, high quality, people-centred research throughout Northern Ireland.”
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt recorded a voiceover in support of the campaign, asking people to consider being a part of research or becoming involved in research:
https://f.io/kSGvHcfT You can also view this video on the Public Health Agency’s Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/1086403737
The NI Clinical Research Network (NICRN) were in full-force on ICTD, hosting information awareness stands in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital, where Research Nurses and the network team were on hand to highlight the essential role of patients in the delivery of clinical research: NICRN celebrates International Clinical Trials Day 2025 – Clinical Research Network
Speaking on behalf of the NICRN, Director Professor Jonathan Jackson, said:
“I am privileged to lead a large multi-professional team of clinicians and support staff who are committed to ensuring that the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and indeed the other Health Trusts in Northern Ireland, play our part in building an evidence base for improved health care.”
The NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum, taking forward the theme of inclusion in research, held a cancer research reflections event on ICTD, with Artist in residence, Beth McComish. This event provided an opportunity for families, carers, patient advocates, research teams, support staff and healthcare professionals to reflect, be creative and share knowledge on cancer research including the development of cancer treatments and cancer care pathway, whilst recognising the wonderful contribution of researchers and all those who work in this area. You can find more information on cancer trials NI at: CancerTrials NI - NICTN
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust highlighted involvement in research with a truly inspirational story about Jayden - a participant on a study to evaluate Mavacamten in adolescents with Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:
Clinical Trials Day – Jayden’s Story | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust website
Northern Health and Social Care Trust research staff were on hand at Antrim Area Hospital to raise awareness and answer questions from staff about how their incredible teams are making a difference across the Trust through their work.
NHSCT Research Team
For ICTD, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust highlighted their commitment to advancing clinical research and are proud to be part of an international trial offering hope on the horizon for those living with Myasthenic Syndrome, a rare genetic condition.
SE Trust Research Nurses
We can’t have research without people – to be involved and to participate in research. Working with our dedicated research community, HSC R&D would like to thank all health research patients and participants for taking part in research to help develop better care and treatments, with evidence-based outcomes, helping to save lives. And to all who work in, are part of and who deliver health research – thank-you.
See more pictures below
