On Friday 19 June, HSC R&D and Health Protection colleagues joined people in research across Northern Ireland, the UK and around the world in celebrating #Red4Research - a positive and creative way to shine a light on all those who make health and care research possible!
#Red4Research is about coming together to show appreciation for everyone involved in research, from participants to professionals, volunteers, regulatory bodies, and partners behind the scenes who bring studies to life. Research doesn’t just happen - people make it happen.
Why it Matters:
#Red4Research highlights the progress made through research, from improved patient outcomes to new diagnostics, treatments, and collaborative breakthroughs. Celebrating the innovation, collaboration, and extraordinary achievements of our research community, it reminds us how vital research is, and how powerful we can be when we come together with a shared purpose.
Here are some activities that took place across the Northern Ireland research ecosystem.
Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network (NICRN), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, participated in Red4Research day by hosting information stands in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast City Hospital, to encourage people to be part of research.
By participating in the annual campaign, NICRN recognise and highlight the contributions of all involved in research and NICRN took the opportunity to show their appreciation to all those involved in research, from frontline staff to volunteers and patients.
The Primary Care Research Network Northern Ireland (PCRN NI) also showed their support for Red4Research Day and joined colleagues in the NICRN. They marked the day with written statements on what research means to those in both networks.
NI Cancer Trials colleagues raised awareness by thanking their amazing research participants across NI and also thanked their dedicated research teams at Belfast ECMC, NICRCF and NICTN, showing that research makes a difference.
C-TRIC celebrated Red4Research Day and gave thanks to the Research & Development (R&D) teams in the Western Health and Social Care Trust for their dedication to advancing clinical research and supporting the successful delivery of clinical trials. C-TRIC also thanked all participants involved in clinical trials.
The iREACH Health team proudly celebrated Red4Research Day as part of a wider community including colleagues across universities, HSCNI and beyond. Recognising research as a shared effort and recognising the vital role research plays in improving patient care, advancing treatments, and shaping the future of healthcare. iREACH Health also highlighted the collaboration and shared commitment across organisations that makes their work possible.
There was a splash of red across South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust’s Clinical Trial Centre on Red4Research Day! Some of the SET Research team came together to mark Red for Research Day, raising awareness & celebrating the work that helps improve patients’ lives every day.
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) thanked their dedicated research and development colleagues, patients and volunteers for paving the way for tomorrow’s treatments.
Colleagues in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust supported and celebrated Red4Research. Research Nursing staff wore red to encourage people to be part of research.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) shared information with Ambulance staff on their achievements to date in research and development.
Thank-you to all in the Northern Ireland research ecosystem for shining a light on Red4Research Day! (see some photos below)
