We are delighted to welcome you to the NIHR CRN East Midlands Research Awards 2021. These awards will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved since we held our last awards ceremony in 2018. Research in the East Midlands continues to go from strength to strength, and we want to take this opportunity to thank every participant, partner and colleague who is part of this enormous collaborative effort within our region.

The profile of research has hit new heights over the past eighteen months. The impact of research during this time is clear to see, with the introduction of vaccines and identification of drugs that are helping us tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed and scale of the UK's research response has been incredibly impressive, and we know that you will share our pride at the essential role that the East Midlands research community has played within this.

We have been struck - albeit not surprised - by the way that research staff across the region have conducted themselves during these challenging times. A collective determination to deliver research quickly and effectively has united staff in pursuit of a common cause, and the progress that we have made is testament to everyone's hard work.

We are also pleased that so much research either continued or has resumed. Public support for research is at an all time high, and it is exciting to see that the new ways of working that have underpinned pandemic life are now being introduced across research to try and make it more accessible and enjoyable for participants.

The frantic pace of recent months has offered little chance to pause and reflect. Tonight's celebration aims to do that, as we come together as a community to hear just some of the inspiring stories from across our region. The volume and quality of the nominations we received for the awards was striking, and we know that you will share our pleasure in hearing more about some of the stories and studies that our judges have shortlisted.

We hope that you enjoy tonight and thank you for your ongoing contribution to research in the East Midlands.