Celebrating Collaboration, Community and Innovation: Our Research Awareness Event at St George’s
- patientsinresearch
- Dec 19, 2025
- 2 min read
St George’s Hospital’s Clinical Research Facility (CRF) hosted a well-attended Research Awareness Event this week, bringing together patients, staff and research partners to highlight the range of studies underway across the Trust and the importance of inclusive participation. The event featured presentations, lived-experience stories, health checks and interactive stalls representing NIHR, IBHO BioResource, Cardiology, Emergency Department Research, the Dementia READ-OUT Trial, the Generation Study and the Vaccine Institute.
A strong emphasis was placed on ensuring research reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Representatives from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Hannah Stark from the NIHR Improving Black Health Outcomes BioResource addressed the need for more inclusive recruitment, while Group Director of Research and Innovation Heather Jarman attended to gather feedback that will help shape the emerging research and innovation strategy.
Two moving patient stories — from Ayca Aydogdu, who lives with Myasthenia Gravis, and Fatimah Sanneh, who has taken part in the IBHO BioResource Sickle Cell programme — captivated the audience and prompted meaningful discussion about the lived realities of participating in research.
Scientific presentations included Consultant Neurologist Dr Weijia Zhang’s accessible overview of the Dementia READ-OUT Trial and Merrie’s explanation of the Generation Study, supported by colleagues Valentina and Stacey. The Vaccine Institute’s stall drew interest with insights into the BiVista and NORA studies.
The health check station, offering blood pressure and blood glucose checks, proved especially popular. Behind the scenes, the CRF team also provided exceptional support, from technical coordination to registration and photography. Members of the Patient Public Involvement Steering Group also contributed valuable insight.
The event was regarded as a success, strengthening interest in research participation and underscoring the CRF’s commitment to collaboration, community engagement and inclusive research across St George’s. This would not be possible without the support of our amazing delegates who not only attended our event but stayed engaged throughout the event.
