Pan North West: Strengthening research engagement and collaboration
Francesca McIntosh at the event promoting BRIDGE
Last week, the Pan North West event took place in Manchester, bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to strengthen collaboration and engagement. In this blog post, our Research and Communications Coordinator, Francesca McIntosh, shares her insights and key takeaways from the event.
As the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise research coordinator for Cheshire and Merseyside and the creator of the BRIDGE Research Network, I had the privilege of working alongside the Research Engagement Network teams across the North West to organise a pan North West event, a day filled with powerful discussions, shared experiences, and a collective drive to make research more inclusive and community-led. The energy in the room was inspiring, and it was clear that everyone was committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that research truly serves all communities.
The day began with insightful presentations that highlighted the importance of research engagement at both a national and regional level. Alice Williams from NHS England provided a national perspective on the ICS Research Engagement Network programme, emphasising the role research plays in improving health outcomes, job satisfaction for health and care staff, and the wider economy.
She shared compelling data demonstrating that research-active hospitals deliver better care and that for every £1 invested in research, there is a £19 return to the wider economy. However, she also stressed that research must be representative of all communities, as disparities in clinical trials can lead to treatments that don’t work as well for some groups. This was a crucial reminder that research must be shaped by and for the people it aims to serve.
Teams from Cheshire & Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire & South Cumbria shared how they are working to increase diversity in research participation and tackle systemic barriers. It was particularly encouraging to see how different regions are developing community-led research projects, focusing on mental health inequalities, data accessibility, and inclusive engagement strategies.
For me, one of the most powerful aspects of the event was hearing directly from diverse communities about their experiences with research. Some of the projects that stood out included:
The Deaf Village in Blackburn, where community members shared the challenges deaf individuals face in research and healthcare. Their insights reinforced the need for specialist interpreters, inclusive communication tools, and culturally appropriate engagement.
Streetlife in Blackpool, where innovative comedy-based workshops have been used to encourage research participation in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Inspire Women Oldham, who are building confidence in research through peer-led initiatives. The StrongHer Together project showcased how women can take ownership of research and shape studies that directly impact their health and wellbeing.
To learn more about these initiatives and explore all projects shared at the event, you can view the presentation slides here.
Making research more accessible
A recurring theme in discussions was the need to remove jargon and acronyms that can make research feel inaccessible. Many of us agreed that clearer communication is needed so that more people can understand and engage with research opportunities.
There was also a push for greater visibility of ongoing projects, so organisations can identify similar work happening elsewhere and collaborate rather than duplicate efforts. Integrated Care Boards were encouraged to use and share data more effectively, ensuring that research is driven by real-world evidence.
Addressing barriers and supporting community researchers
A major discussion point was how funding processes sometimes create competition rather than collaboration. We need to move towards a collective approach to securing resources, ensuring that research is done with communities, not to them.
Many attendees also called for affordable and accessible training courses to help community members become researchers, rather than always relying on external experts. There was a clear message that we need to develop researchers from within underrepresented groups, making lived experience a central part of research design. Training should also be available in various formats to accommodate different learning styles.
Technology access was also raised- something as simple as having a laptop can determine whether someone can participate in research. We need to address these resource gaps to make research more equitable and inclusive.
The role of BRIDGE Research Network
Throughout the event, BRIDGE Research Network, was mentioned as a potential solution to many of these challenges. BRIDGE was developed by VSNW with support and influence by both community voices and the research infrastructure across the north west coast.
BRIDGE provides a collaborative space for sharing research opportunities, showcasing good practice, finding research partners, and openly discussing the struggles that come with research engagement. There was a strong appetite for using BRIDGE to create and share resources, making it easier for organisations to learn from one another.
One of the biggest takeaways was the need for tangible evidence of research impact. We often hear that research is important, but communities need to see the difference it makes. BRIDGE can help VCFSE organisations work with researchers to demonstrate real-world benefits, from policy change to better service delivery.
Moving forward together
Research is at its best when it is community-led and co-designed. The voices and insights shared reinforced the importance of putting people at the heart of research, ensuring they are not just participants but active partners in shaping the research agenda.
As we move forward, I am excited to continue working on BRIDGE Research Network and our partners to make research more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful. This event was a fantastic step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing how these discussions shape the future of research engagement in the North West.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed- let’s now keep the conversation going and make sure research works for everyone!