Let's Talk Research Archive - NHS Research and Development North West

Let’s Talk Research Archive

Our NHS Let’s Talk Research Conferences have been a yearly event since 2014, focusing on different themes each time to bring researchers together. You can view the programmes and watch our event videos here.

As part of our work to promote research and innovation across the North West Region of England we regularly hold NHS Let’s Talk Research (LTR) conference events. The events themselves are held at large venues around the region and bring together people from various backgrounds including, health and social care, academia and local authorities. The conference is designed to be informative and participative through a number of key speaker sessions and workshops. It also provides a brilliant opportunity for networking, sharing experiences and identifying new collaborative research activities that attendees can participate in.

1st Edition – 2014

The first LTR Conference was held on the 24^th and 25^th September 2014 at Macron Stadium, Bolton.

Chief Executive Stuart Eglin warmly welcomed over 100 delegates to the 1 ½ day conference, featuring insightful keynotes from prominent figures in the field. Simon Dengeri, the Chair of Involve, shared valuable perspectives on patients and public involvement in research. Professor Margaret Whitehead, from the WHO Collaboration Centre, delivered an engaging opening plenary on day two, delving into the critical issue of health inequality.

Later in the day, Professor Ged Byrne, Director of Education & Quality at Health Education North West, addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a research-active workforce. Clare Matterson, representing the Wellcome Trust, provided a compelling conclusion to the conference, highlighting the significance of engagement in research.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to explore a showcase of over 30 insightful posters, adding further depth to the conference experience.

The full programme can be viewed here.

The conference was enriched with a diverse array of workshops conducted by esteemed researchers, academics, and clinicians. Topics included:

Making the most of mobile and social media
Creative approaches to communicating research
Health research: promote it, use it, do it
Making innovation everyone’s business

2nd Edition – 2015

The second LTR Conference was held on 17th and 18th September 2015 Macron Stadium, Bolton.

Following the success of Let’s Talk Research 2014, the 2015 conference was held over 2 days giving healthcare professionals even more opportunities to hear and discuss research, learn new tools and techniques and engage with fellow researchers.

There was an evident energy and buzz throughout the 2 days – a common occurrence when researchers come together! The energy levels heightened at certain points. in particular, following the Plenary by Helen Bevan on day 1 when she discussed ‘The change agents of the future: curating knowledge and making connections”. A presentation that stimulated, inspired, thought-provoked and rebelled!!

With over 24 workshops delivered by leading researchers, academics and clinicians, the delegates were able to experience a whole range of research topics. This was supported by a schedule of workshops focusing on improving the ‘softer skills’ and more real-life aspects of research.

For the 2015 Let’s Talk Research Conference we invited the submission of abstracts based on the following themes:

Findings of completed clinically focused research undertaken as part of a postgraduate research degree (Masters or PhD), or clinical research
Work undertaken within organisations or teams within the NHS to promote a culture of research and innovation.
Novel and innovative approaches to communicating research

For this first time that year we sought the submission of abstracts for:

1 hour workshops which provide the opportunity to explore a topic in details
20 minute oral presentations
Poster presentation

The full programme can be viewed here.

For the 2015 Let’s Talk Research Conference we invited the submission of abstracts based on the following themes

Edge Walking – 2016

The third LTR Conference was held on 15th & 16th September 2016 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.

LTR 2016: Edge Walking, Exploring Novel Approaches to R&D, was about doing things differently and challenging the cultures of research for increased effect and impact.

Whether attendees were practicing clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, academics, or full-blown researchers, the ‘Let’s Talk Research’ annual conference was designed for them. Packed with thought-leading presentations, innovative approaches to communicating research and a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow researchers to build the community in the North West.

The full programme can be viewed here.

Building Community – 2017

The fourth LTR Conference was held on 14th September 2017 at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.

This 1 day event gave healthcare professionals, researchers and academics even more opportunities to hear and discuss research, learn new tools and techniques, and strengthen the region’s healthcare research community.

Whether a practicing clinician, allied healthcare professional, academic or full-blown researcher, the ‘Let’s Talk Research’ annual conference was designed for them. Packed with thought-leading presentations, innovative approaches to communicating research, and a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow researchers to build the community in the North West.

You can view a range of images taken throughout the conference below.

The full programme can be viewed here.