Taking research into the community

Research is stepping out of hospitals and into the heart of our communities.

This approach is helping to break down barriers, tackle health inequalities and ensure discoveries benefit everyone.

Caroline Tiza is a Senior Engagement and Inclusion Manager at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). She shares insights from a recent community workshop in St Denys, Southampton.

Embedding research inclusion in our workforce

It is vital that we increase research awareness and inclusion within under-served communities.

In our region, we have a growing scheme where research nurses have protected time to act in research inclusion link roles.

These nurses co-deliver inclusive engagement and recruitment within our communities.

The scheme is coordinated by UHS’s Southampton Centre for Research Engagement and Impact.

On Tuesday 24th February, we were delighted to visit St Denys, Southampton. Our aim was to promote health research and the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource.

We brought together partners from the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility and our Regional Research Delivery Network’s Agile Team.

Engagement that makes a difference

Thanks to co-production with our community partners, strong teamwork and careful planning, the team recruited 24 participants during the event.

Our research nurses were central to this success. They helped create continuity between community settings and research teams, supporting culturally sensitive engagement. They ensured that conversations about research felt human, relevant, and respectful.

Why going to where people are matters

Bringing research opportunities into community settings helps build trust and widen participation.

It can ensure that our health studies reflect the people they are designed to serve.

Looking ahead

A huge thank you to everyone involved for your energy, teamwork, and commitment to inclusive research.

Our event feedback was largely positive. This shows that communities respond with generosity when research is delivered with warmth, care and genuine connection.

Most importantly, it highlights the enormous goodwill that exists within our local communities.

People are ready and willing to take part when research is brought closer to them.

Do you have any studies you would like to promote or recruit to? Please contact our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team: PPIEsupport@uhs.nhs.uk