Leading researchers, clinicians and partners from across Yorkshire and Humber came together in Sheffield last week, to explore how effective collaboration can help advance child health research in the region.
Hosted by the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Regional Research Delivery Network, the Children’s Specialty Meeting was a showcase of innovation, successes, and best practice in paediatric research in the region.
The event celebrated the life-changing impact of child-centred research – from studies tackling health inequalities and initiatives inspiring the next generation of researchers, to the launch of the UK’s only Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) dedicated to delivering commercial clinical trials treating children and young people.
There was also the opportunity to explore how national health strategy can align with the region’s vision of working together to create a healthier future for children and young people.
Professor Meena Balasubramanian, Children’s Specialty Lead for the Network in Yorkshire and Humber and Clinical Director of Research at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust chaired the event.
She said: “Hearing about all the fantastic work taking place across the region has been truly inspirational. It highlights the expertise we have at our disposal and the huge potential that offers for making a real impact in improving health outcomes.
“As well as sharing the innovations and successes, it’s also invaluable to hear about the challenges teams have encountered, and the techniques used to overcome them. Collaboration is as much about learning from each other as it is about working together.
“As our region continues to lead in pioneering child health research, events like this one underscore the power of shared purpose and collective expertise in shaping a better, healthier future for children and young people.”
Launched in 2024, the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) enables the health and care system to attract, optimise and deliver research across England.
Professor Alistair Hall, Health and Care Research Director (Medical) for the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Regional Research Delivery Network added: “The best way to predict the future is to create it. We know that children learn though play – and there are parallels that can be drawn with the world of research. Research is a practical way of solving problems and addressing the real-world health challenges facing children today.
“This event has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to strengthen collaboration and identify opportunities to work together more effectively across our region.”