Events

Prevention Research 2026

📅 4 and 5 March 2026

📍 the Vox, Birmingham

The NIHR has joined Prevention Research 2026 as a conference partner. This is the second Prevention Research UK conference, and is being organised jointly by the UKPRP Prevention Research Network and Population Health Improvement UK with support from NIHR. The conference will seek to explore the latest research and collaborative strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases and reducing health inequalities across the UK.

If you are funded by NIHR and your research is relevant to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, evaluating the development, implementation or impact of interventions or public policies to improve health and reduce health inequalities, or new approaches or methods in the conduct of prevention research, you can submit an abstract by Friday 9 January 2026.

If you have any issues/queries/questions, please email: preventionresearch26@gmail.com  

Webinar: Trauma informed approaches in research

📅 Wednesday 25 March 2026

🕧 10 to 11am 

This webinar raises awareness and gives examples of trauma informed practice in research by providing practical steps intended to build confidence and to help you adapt your approach. During the webinar, we will look at the response to trauma from the points of view of a researcher, public participant and community researcher. 

LARIA Conference and Awards

📅 Wednesday 25 March 2026

📍 Local Government Association, London

Local Evidence Matters: Understanding Need Through Research and Data will bring together leading researchers, analysts, and practitioners to explore how robust local evidence can drive better decision-making and improve outcomes for communities. In an era where data is abundant but actionable insights are scarce, this conference will emphasise the critical role of localised research in identifying needs, shaping policy, and delivering targeted interventions. By focusing on the nuances of local contexts, we aim to bridge the gap between national strategies and community realities. 

Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, share innovative methodologies, and examine case studies that demonstrate the power of insight-driven approaches at a local level. Whether you are working in health, education, social care, or economic development, this conference will offer a unique opportunity to collaborate, learn, and contribute to a growing movement that values evidence as the foundation for meaningful change. Together, we will explore how research and data can illuminate needs, inform priorities, and ultimately create stronger, more resilient local communities and neighbourhoods.
 
We are looking to hear about activity that you’ve undertaken that others could learn from. This might be a completed project but also an incomplete project that you’re still working on, where others could learn from your progress.
 
For full details on what we're looking for and to submit a presentation please download the submission form and return to admin@laria.org.uk by Friday 9 January 2026.

Webinar: Research ethics showcase

📅 Wednesday 15 April 2026

🕧 10 to 11:30am 

Explore ways in which local authorities are approaching research ethics. Colleagues from Islington Council and Hertfordshire County Council share their experiences of setting up and running research ethics committees, and the Specialist Centre for Public Health delivered by University of Southampton and Partners will share findings from their ethics pilot. 

They will discuss practical steps, what worked, and what they learned along the way with valuable insights from our speakers David Conrad, Deputy Director of Public Health and Director of Evidence & Intelligence, Hertfordshire Council, Alexandra Levitas, Embedded Researcher, Islington Council and Helen Buxton, Research Ethics and Governance Support Senior Manager, Specialist Centre for Public Health delivered by University of Southampton and Partners. 

By attending this webinar, you will find out what ethical review approaches are being used in local authorities and have the opportunity to ask questions about each of these methods. 

Webinar: Learning disability inclusive research

📅 Tuesday 21 April 2026

🕧 10 to 11am 

Research inclusion: 'No research about us without us' - a collaborative research project led by people with learning disabilities, academic researchers and community partners. The project explored what true partnership in research looks like, the barriers that prevent people with learning disabilities from being equal research partners, and what needs to change. During the session, the research team will share key learning from the project, practical takeaways and recommendations for future research, and next steps for creating more inclusive and equitable research practice. 

Webinar: Is a career in research for me? - public health 

📅 Tuesday 21 April 2026

🕧 2:30 to 4pm 

This 90-minute webinar is for anyone interested in exploring research as part of their career in public health. The NIHR funds world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing, while also promoting economic growth. 

We also support research careers, offering opportunities to develop new skills, access training and funding, and join a supportive network, while contributing to research that has real-world impact. 

The webinar will cover: 

• insights into life as a research professional, shared by researchers at different career stages

• an overview of research career pathways and what research work looks like in practice

• key opportunities and challenges within research careers 

Attend to discover: 

• first-hand perspectives on what it’s really like to work in research

• the range of research roles and entry points available to those new to the field

• our role in supporting individuals to develop research skills and career development 

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters at the end. 

UK Public Health Science Conference 2026

Previously held each November as the Lancet UK Public Health Science Conference, this fantastic event returns in a new spring timeslot. The conference offers an excellent opportunity to share your work, connect across sectors, and be inspired by world-class public health research! Now working in collaboration with the Society for Social Medicine & Population Health (SSMPH), the conference will be held on Tuesday 21 April 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne. A conference dinner and early career researcher event will take place on Monday 20 April. 

70th Society for Social Medicine & Population Health Annual Conference 2026

📅 Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 September 2026

📍 Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Campus

The Society’s 2026 Annual Conference is jointly organised with the International Epidemiology Association. This meeting will take place from Wednesday 9th September until Friday 11th September 2026 at the Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Campus. The conference will mark two 70th anniversaries: the 70th conference of the Society for Social Medicine & Population Health and the 70th year since IEA was founded.

The event will include a range of stellar keynote speakers, expert panellists, themed parallel sessions, plenaries and workshops. Early Career Researchers can also meet the day before, on Tuesday 8 September.