Researchers, clinicians, public contributors, health and care professionals and research leaders from across Kent, Surrey and Sussex gathered in Crawley on 9 September to celebrate 20 years of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the South East. The anniversary conference provided a chance to reflect on two decades of research, innovation and partnership, while looking ahead to the future of health and care research in our region.
Co-hosted by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), NIHR South East Regional Research Delivery Network, NIHR Royal Surrey Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Commercial Research Delivery Centre Sussex, the event brought together colleagues from NHS organisations, universities, local authorities and community groups to celebrate the difference research is making to people's lives.
The day opened with a keynote address from the South East NIHR partner directors, including Professor Hana Hassanin, Dr Stephen Barnett, Professor Martin Llewelyn and Professor Stephen Peckham, who reflected on the growth and success of NIHR-supported research across the region.
Delegates heard inspiring presentations from a wide range of speakers, including Professor Aftab Ala from the South East Regional Research Delivery Network, and Dr Anna-Marie Bibby Jones from ARC KSS, who highlighted the impact of research and public involvement across the South East.
Speakers from University of Sussex, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Medway NHS Foundation Trust and primary care organisations shared personal stories about how NIHR funding, training and support have helped build careers, strengthen research capacity and improve care for patients and communities.
The conference also celebrated the people at the heart of research. Sessions showcased the experiences of research participants, public contributors, clinicians, researchers and research delivery staff, demonstrating how collaboration across organisations and communities helps turn evidence into meaningful improvements in health and care.
A panel discussion chaired by Catherine Dampney, Programme Director for the Kent, Medway and Sussex Secure Data Environment, explored future opportunities for research and innovation in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Panel members Dr Mel Rees-Roberts, Head of Research Strategy and Impact at the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS); Dr Negin Sarafraz-Shekary, Head of Health Determinants Research Collaboration Surrey and Public Health Engagement Lead for Kent, Portsmouth, Southampton and Surrey at the NIHR Research Support Service; Michelle Gardener, Public Board Advisor at ARC KSS; and Kusal Weerasinghe, Senior Research and Innovation Project Facilitator at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, discussed how research can continue to address local priorities and improve outcomes for communities across the region.
The event concluded with a keynote address from Nicola Murray, Deputy Director for Research Systems at the Department of Health and Social Care, who reflected on the NIHR's achievements nationally and the vital role that partnerships across Kent, Surrey and Sussex have played in improving health and care over the past 20 years.
Thank you to all the speakers, facilitators, presenters, delegates and partner organisations who helped make the day such a success. Together, they showcased the collaborative spirit that has driven two decades of research excellence across the South East and continues to improve the lives of people across our region.
