Inclusive Research Showcase – Monday 18 May 2026

Overview

This showcase event will share learning on inclusive research, with a focus on North West England. It includes examples of research through lightning talks from early career and experienced researchers. Content will be from National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructure* across Greater Manchester, with a broad focus on research culture and working in in partnership with communities. Inclusive Research Methods (IRM), Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) considerations will be embedded throughout.

*This includes the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, (BRC), NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF), NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Emergency and Acute Care (HRC) and the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC).

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Agenda

9.30 – 10.00: Registration

10.00 – 11.15: Section 1 Setting the scene

Arpana Verma, Clinical Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, The University of Manchester (UoM), Inclusive Research Oversight Board (IROB) Co-Lead, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC)

10.00 – 10.20: Welcome from hosts for the day

• Professor Arpana Verma, Clinical Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health (UoM), IROB Co-Lead, NIHR Manchester BRC
• Dr Annie Keane, PPIE Lead, Manchester BRC and CRF, Director (Interim) Vocal
• Dr Fozia Ahmed, former EDI Lead, Manchester BRC and Manchester CRF
• Professor Smeeta Sinha, former EDI Co-Lead, Manchester BRC and Manchester CRF
• Professor Rachel Cowen, The University of Manchester, former EDI Co-Lead, Manchester BRC and Manchester CRF
• Angela Kelsall, NIHR Manchester CRF Operational Lead (North Manchester General Hospital) and NIHR Manchester CRF EDI Lead

10.20 – 10.50: Why is research inclusion important?

Dr Rachel Cowen and Prof Arpana Verma

10.50 – 11.15: PPIE, Inclusive Research Methods and EDI (workforce)

Dr Annie Keane, Prof Arpana Verma, Dr Fozia Ahmed

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11.30 – 12.45: Section 2 Lightning talks

Chair: Dr Annie Keane

Facilitators: Prof Arpana Verma, Dr Fozia Ahmed, Prof Rachel Cowen, Prof Smeeta Sinha

This session will feature a mix of early career and experienced researchers, each delivering a short presentation. Presenters have been selected though a call for abstracts.

• Focusing on the patient/public need that their research is addressing
• Impact of PPIE/IRM/ EDI considerations on their research

Following the presentations, participants will take part in table discussions to explore and consider the questions and learning raised.

Attendees will also be invited to vote for Early Career Researcher (ECR) presentations.

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12:45-14:00 Lunch

Poster viewing and voting (online posters) and networking

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14.00 – 15.15: Section 3 Research culture and environment – Methods and skills for delivering Inclusive Research

Chair: Prof Arpana Verma

Consideration of the methods, relational and reflective skills that are needed for Inclusive Research. Culture change within institutions, developing partnerships, collaboration.

• Research Inclusion from an expert through experience – Davine Forde, NIHR IROB Expert
• NIHR Manchester BRC and NIHR Manchester CRF EDI staff survey results and our workforce
• GM Respectful Research Charter and research/community partnerships
• PPIE and building relationships
• Using methods to a) understand the population need b) conduct and monitor inclusivity of research

A panel discussion with Prof Arpana Verma, Dr Annie Keane, Dr Fozia Ahmed, Prof Smeeta Sinha, Prof Rachel Cowen and questions from the floor.

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15.30 – 16.30: Section 4 Table discussions

People reflect on the day and what they will apply in their own settings, any additional support/information they need.

Feedback from the table discussions.

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16.30 – 16.45: Closing section 

Professor Anne Barton, NIHR Manchester BRC Director: Presentation of prizes – posters and talks.

Hosts’ reflections on the day