News stories

In celebration of International Clinical Trials Day 2026, our research and innovation teams hosted their annual research showcase across all four of our hospital sites.

From groundbreaking clinical trials to pioneering developments, the events highlighted the incredible research taking place at UHB and the real difference it is making for patients across Birmingham and the wider region.

International Clinical Trials Day provides an opportunity to shine a light on the vital health research taking place in our hospitals and around the world, while helping patients, visitors and staff better understand research and its impact.

Delivery, data and governance teams were among those showcasing the important work they do every day through interactive stands and activities for members of the public and colleagues.

At our QEHB and Heartlands Hospital events, a panel of judges, including patient and public involvement (PPI) representatives, visited each stand as part of the ‘Best Stand’ competition, speaking with teams and selecting their top three. Congratulations to the joint first-place winners - the Dermatology Research Team and Therapies Team at QEHB, and the Neonatal Team at Heartlands.

At Heartlands Hospital, our on-site research bus, staffed by research nurses, offered local people the opportunity to get involved in research. This included recruitment to the Genes & Health Study, open to British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani communities, with participation as simple as providing a saliva sample.

This year’s events were made even more special as they coincided with the 20th anniversary of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.

Embracing the NIHR20 theme, teams at each event showcased work that reflected NIHR’s four key pillars - impact, inclusion, innovation, and investment - while highlighting some of the most significant achievements over the past 20 years.

Following the showcase at QEHB, a further afternoon event welcomed Alex Churchill, Deputy Director at the Department of Health and Social Care and Head of Commercial Clinical Trials, alongside Maria Koufali, NIHR’s first Life Sciences Industry Director.

The session showcased real-world examples of how NIHR-funded and supported research has made a difference to people’s lives and the health and care system, while also recognising and celebrating the many individuals who have contributed to NIHR’s success.

Jo Plumb, Director of Research and Innovation at University Hospitals Birmingham, said: “A big thank you to all our teams for their amazing efforts at this year’s Research Showcase events. You really brought the world of research to life, making it more visible and accessible for everyone. We have raised the bar significantly this year, which will be hard to beat next year - but we love a challenge!”