The University of Oxford's Centre for Research Equity (CfRE) launched a historic partnership to advance health equity in Northern Ireland and ensure everyone benefits from healthcare advancements.
This first-of-its-kind collaboration aims to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure that the benefits of research reflect the needs and experiences of all communities and peoples in Northern Ireland and beyond.
The partnership with Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) Division, supported by the Department of Health Northern Ireland, alongside key health and social care agencies sees Northern Ireland become the first UK region to partner with the CfRE, bringing together patient and public advocates, healthcare professionals and academics.
A number of speakers recorded video messages, speaking of the significance of this partnership:
Laura Collins, Lived Experience Expert (Family Carer), and Public Involvement Enhancing Research (PIER) group member, HSC Research & Development Division, Public Health Agency, and a full-time family carer for the past 43 years, underscored the significance of research equity for patients and carers: "As someone who has spent decades advocating for family carers and individuals with disabilities, I know firsthand how crucial it is for research to reflect the needs and experiences of all communities. The partnership's commitment to involving all in research is a vital step towards ensuring that everyone can benefit from advances in healthcare." Click here to view the video message.
Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor at the Northern Ireland Department of Health, emphasised the unified effort: "This historic partnership unites various sectors in Northern Ireland – from health and social care, academia, industry, and the voluntary sector – to leverage our collective strengths. By working together, we aim to advance research equity and address health disparities highlighted by recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic." Click here to view the video message.
Dr Janice Bailie, Assistant Director, HSC Research & Development Division, Public Health Agency, stated: "The partnership represents our dedicated effort to incorporate the perspectives of diverse communities into our research framework. This collaboration will ensure that our research is inclusive and addresses the unique health needs of all populations in Northern Ireland." Click here to view video message.
Professor Mahendra G Patel, Director of the Centre for Research Equity at the University of Oxford, highlighted the partnership's commitment to community engagement: "At the heart of this ground-breaking partnership between Oxford University and Northern Ireland is a dedication to involving patients, the public, underserved communities, as well as health and care organisations and stakeholders in setting research priorities. We want to ensure that research outcomes are applicable, safe and beneficial to all, and that starts with listening to and engaging with the very people we serve, including those whose are often disproportionately affected by poorer health and health outcomes." Click here to view the video message.
To view a longer video message click here.
The manifesto document and a full list of Northern Ireland Partners organisations can be found by downloading the partnership document.
For more information on the Centre for Research Equity: https://researchequity.phc.ox.ac.uk/
Photo Caption: Professor Mahendra Patel, Director of the Centre for Research Equity at the University of Oxford; Dr Janice Bailie, Assistant Director, HSC Research & Development Division, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer in Northern Ireland, Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor at Department of Health NI and Director of HSC Research & Development Division.