Become a Research Champion

Who are Research Champions?

Research Champions are patients, carers, members of the public, people who have taken part in a research study before, as well as those who haven’t. Something that they all have in common is that they are passionate about getting more people involved in research so that we can develop better care and treatment for everyone.

Research Champions volunteer their time to help spread the word about health and care research to patients and the public, and especially those groups who are currently less likely to take part in research. They also help research and healthcare staff understand more about the experiences of those who take part in research.

Here are some of the activities Research Champions can be involved with:

• Speaking at local events e.g. International Clinical Trials Day (ICTD), staff training and early career researcher meetings

• Interviewed on TV, radio and by a science magazine to help raise public awareness of research

• Supporting the design, planning and delivery of Participant in Research Experience Survey

• Supporting the development of online Equality and Diversity in research learning resources

• Working with a nearby school to develop a poster about the benefits of research for the local hospital to use

What can Research Champions do?

What you contribute as a Research Champion can be shaped around your interests, skills and time. Some commit to regular activities while others may volunteer as opportunities arise.

These are some of the main roles that Research Champions do:

• Raising awareness of health and care research and encouraging people to take part, including family, friends and others they know

• Speak to patient and community groups about health and care research

• Help people find out about research studies they can take part in through Be Part of Research and Join Dementia Research websites

• Take part in local actions to mark International Clinical Trials Day and health awareness days

How can I become a Research Champion?

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Research Champion, or if your organisation would like to support a Research Champion then please get in touch with elly.french@nhs.net

Follow the NIHR on Twitter at @NIHRtakepart to find out how patients, carers and the public can get involved in research and use #researchchampions to learn about research champion activities.