There are two different ways you can support research at University Hospitals Birmingham, including public involvement and participation.
Public involvement in research
Everyone benefits from research. This not only includes scientific research in laboratories but also research into health and social care. Research provides evidence about what works best.
Patients, carers, people who use social care services and health and social care professionals all use this evidence to make decisions about treatments and care.
When the public gets involved in research, they work alongside researchers to help shape:
- what research gets done
- how it’s carried out
- and how the results are shared and applied in practice
Being involved is not the same as taking part in a trial or study to test a new treatment or care option. It’s about being a member of the research team that works together to design and run the study.
We define public involvement in research as research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them.
When we use the term ‘public’, we are including
- patients and potential patients
- carers and people who use health and social care services
- people from organisations that represent people who use services
If you would like to get involved in research, you can speak to your clinician or visit the Birmingham Public Involvement Hub website for more information and sign up for a regular monthly newsletter advertising opportunities to be involved across UHB and other research organisations in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Participation in research
If you are interested in taking part in a study, you can start by speaking to your clinician, who can let you know if there are any studies that may be suitable for you. You can also search for studies nationally on the NIHR Be Part of Research website.
NIHR Be Part of Research website
Be Part of Research makes it easier than ever to find and take part in health and care research. You can sign up online, choose your areas of interest, and be matched to suitable studies based on your preferences and location. You will receive clear information about what’s involved, and the decision to take part is always yours.
The website also brings together clinical trials and other research from several UK registers, allowing you to search for relevant studies and contact researchers directly.
Help and support
When you consent to take part in research at University Hospitals Birmingham, you will be supported by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals throughout your involvement in the study or trial. They are there to guide you at every stage, answer any questions, and ensure you feel informed and comfortable. The team can also signpost you to additional support services if needed.
Last reviewed: 27 August 2026