We are excited to announce the first joint NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and UK Clinical Research Facility Network conference.
This will be the 20th annual UKCRF Network Conference, in an expanded format which for the first time also includes the national BRCs – with the aim to promote and celebrate impactful cross-infrastructure collaboration.
Whether or not you are affiliated with a BRC, this event is a chance to foster collaboration and strengthen the experimental medicine infrastructure.
Please read below to find out about more about our strong line-up of plenary speakers and parallel learning sessions:
Co-create to translate: achieving impact through collaboration
Our theme emphasises the importance of co-creation and collaboration in designing and delivering world-class research that truly matters and is accessible to all patients. We will highlight the integration of BRCs and CRFs, strengthening existing partnerships and facilitating new experimental medicine collaborations and clinical studies.
We will showcase diverse perspectives from researchers, research delivery staff, and members of the public and patient groups, offering topics that are relevant and interesting to all. The conference will inspire innovative thinking and facilitate new avenues in research co-creation.
Why attend the Conference:
The Conference supports clinical research teams across BRCs and CRFs, focusing on complex, early-phase trials and translational research.
National speakers will share insights on current challenges and innovations in clinical research.
Interactive sessions offer practical workshops on trial set-up, leadership development, and optimising research delivery, with dedicated insights for both BRC research specialists and CRF delivery teams.
Poster presentations will highlight transformative projects by BRC and CRF teams.
Dedicated sessions provide strategies for enhancing inclusion and accessibility in research.
Networking opportunities with experts and sponsors will foster valuable collaborations.
Engage with patients and the public to help shape future research directions.
Key Speakers
Dr Gail Marzetti – Director, Science, Research and Evidence at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Deputy CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research
Professor Joht Chandan – Clinical Professor of Public Health and Health Inequalities Lead at University of Birmingham
Professor Judith Rankin – Professor of Maternal and Child Health at Newcastle University
Professor Alastair Denniston – Chair of Regulatory Science and Innovation at University of Birmingham
As well as many more from across the clinical research infrastructure.
Parallel Session Topics
We have another dynamic programme of expert-led plenaries and interactive parallel sessions lined up this year.
The topics covered will include:
Enhancing inclusion, access and engagement
Supporting and developing clinical research delivery careers
Exploring innovative approaches to research
Collaborating for greater impact
Strengthening leadership and team development
Gaining practical insights into regulatory requirements, including GCP
With 30 interactive parallel sessions, the programme offers something for everyone, covering a wide range of clinical research topics relevant to all roles across the experimental medicine and clinical research community. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding, explore new ideas and connect with others.
Hotels: In order to book your accommodation this year we have arranged a booking platform which searches the best rates, please book early to avoid disappointment.
A Conference guide for Public Contributors will be available in the coming weeks and a limited number of funded tickets will be available to apply for.
Posters
Poster abstract submissions are now live.
You can access the poster abstract guidelines here.
Please ensure that you have fully read the guidelines before submission.
If you are submitting your abstract in an alternative medium to written text, please contact the hosts before submission at [email protected].
Deadline for abstract submission:28 April 2025
Abstracts submitted past deadline will not be accepted.
Poster Categories:
All categories are open to applicants from any career pathway.
Collaborative abstracts showcasing work from across several teams or facilities are encouraged.
A selection of posters from each of the categories will be chosen to be printed and displayed at the Conference, with the remining posters being displayed virtually.
Your poster should relate to one of the below categories:
Outstanding leadership and inspiring others Demonstrating leadership skills, mentoring, teamwork, and initiating impactful programmes or projects that enhance research infrastructure, training, development, recruitment, and community engagement in experimental research.
Collaborative research Initiatives led by your infrastructure and developed through collaborations with other facilities, research infrastructures, communities, industry, and bespoke partnerships to achieve research outcomes unattainable by a single centre alone.
Science, technology, and data Key scientific research supported by your infrastructure, focusing on novel science, impactful applications, technology development for research methodology, advancements in data science, medical technology, and experimental medicine for high-priority diseases or conditions.
Breaking down the barriers
Removing obstacles to high-quality experimental medicine by empowering the workforce, enhancing research accessibility and relevance, increasing participant diversity, and addressing the health needs of local, regional, or national populations.
Innovation and impact
Implementing novel approaches in study design, practice, and initiatives that enhance research quality, safety, effectiveness, and measurable impact, including new trial designs and collaborative methods.
Assessment Criteria:
The conference host poster committee will assess all submissions and will use the following criteria in addition to the bullet points above for selection:
Broadly connected to the conference theme, including posters submitted highlighting working across infrastructure and other key stakeholders.
Relevance to the category selected.
Potential for learning, application, or adoption.
Evidence of achievement which is measurable and evidenced.
