Active Involvement in Research (AIRD) 2025: in person event

We would like to share a new opportunity for patients, service users, carers and local people, researchers, health and care professionals, community and other organisations in London to collaborate on research to improve health and social care and reduce health inequalities. All are welcome at an event to find out more, share views and connect with one another.

Background

Since 2019, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has funded 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) across England to carry out applied health and care research. Each ARC is a collaboration of NHS organisations, local authorities, universities, other research bodies, public contributors and community partners working together to improve health and care for people locally and beyond. Diverse involvement and inclusive research are central to our work. The current ARC programme ends in March 2026.

Applied health and care research in London

London has a large and diverse population, a wide range of health and care organisations and diverse local needs. Three ARCs (South London, Northwest London and North Thames) have been carrying out research in London and nationally, sharing findings, strengthening involvement and engaging communities. They have also collaborated with one another, as well as other partners.

When NIHR invited applications for a new five-year ARC programme starting in April 2026, these three London ARCs applied. However, the NIHR announced in autumn 2025 that it would be looking for proposals for a single pan-London ARC instead - to undertake high-quality applied health, public health and social care research with a focus on learning that could be applied at both a regional and national level.

This brings fresh possibilities and challenges. It is a chance to build on our strong productive relationships across London to inform the involvement plans for a new pan-London ARC. This Active Involvement in Research event will bring together some of those who have been active in different ARCs to share ideas on a pan-London approach. Ideas from previous involvement events will also contribute to plans.

This is the first of two events. It will be held in person on 28 October 2025. The Active Involvement in Research online event will follow on 11 November 2025.

Sign up

You are welcome to join us at either or both events to hear about thinking to date and share your own views. Key points from this and other involvement activities will be passed on to those leading proposal development and may inform other research funding ideas.

Further information will follow, but places are limited so it is advisable to book early.

Attendance is free and all are welcome.

Find out more

• To find out more about the event, please email involvement coordinator at ARC South London savitri.hensman@kcl.ac.uk (or, if you prefer, an involvement team member in another London ARC). You can also visit www.arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk
• Please note: payments will be made to public members who have an agreed role.