Adult social care trailblazers among us: highlights from the NIHR SSCR Annual Conference 2024

In April, ISRCTN senior editor Lisa Hodgkinson had the privilege of attending the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research (SSCR) Annual Conference 2024. This conference is attended to reach out to social care researchers who might not be aware of or understand how to register their research on ISRCTN, emphasizing the crucial importance of transparency in research and its relevance in this sector. Here she shares some meaningful learnings from the conference. 

I am excited to share some of the key themes and insights from this important event in tribute to the dedication and hard work of the trailblazers of the social care research workforce and to mark the celebration of ACRP Clinical Trials Day 2024.

The conference served as a platform for reflection and discussion on adult social care research and practice, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders including researchers, policy-makers, managers, commissioners, providers, service users, carers, and practitioners. With attendees representing various sectors and backgrounds, the conference fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration aimed at advancing the field of social care research.

One of the poignant moments of the conference was bidding farewell to Professor Martin Knapp (London School of Economics and Political Science), soon to be the former Director of NIHR SSCR, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the School's direction and impact over the past five years. Professor Knapp's leadership, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in driving forward research and innovation in social care, and his contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Throughout the conference, several themes emerged, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges ahead in social care research. Discussions centered on topics such as inclusivity and diversity in research, the importance of community engagement, and the need for collaborative approaches to address complex social care issues. Participants also delved into political challenges facing the field, including marketization and government indifference, underscoring the importance of advocacy and activism in driving positive change.

As I reflect on the insights shared and connections made at the NIHR SSCR Annual Conference 2024, I am reminded of the invaluable contributions of the social care research community in improving the lives of individuals and communities. Moving forward, it is crucial to remain committed to supporting and championing the vital work of social care researchers, as they strive towards a more inclusive, equitable, and impactful future for social care research and practice.

Exploring Common Ground: Clinical Trials and Research Development

This year, as we honor Clinical Trials Day, ISRCTN senior editor Nick Hylands-White is preparing to delve deeper into the research and development at the upcoming NHS Research & Development Forum (RDF) Conference (12 -14 May).

Clinical Trials Day is a reminder of the pivotal role clinical research plays in shaping the future of medicine. Similarly, the RDF Conference (RDF24) serves as a platform for professionals across various sectors to exchange ideas, share insights, and foster collaborations that drive innovation forward. At the core of both events lies the shared objective of advancing knowledge and improving outcomes for patients.

Spotlight on Collaboration: HRA and Be Part of Research

The RDF Conference promises an array of sessions featuring esteemed organizations such as the NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) platform “Be Part of Research”. These entities epitomize the collaborative spirit that underpins both clinical trials and research development. The HRA, with its focus on promoting and protecting the interests of patients involved in research, mirrors the commitment to ethical conduct and participant welfare inherent in clinical trials.

Be Part of Research is an online service that makes it easy for the public to find and take part in health and care research. The service helps people understand what research is, what it might mean to take part, as well as showing what research is currently happening across the UK. There will be a session at RDF24 on the role of the Be Part of Research Service in supporting recruitment in health and social care studies. Be Part of Research uses data from ISRCTN records to populate its website, meaning that the quality of ISRCTN data is vital in public engagement in clinical trials.