Systems Working in Research - The importance of working across the Academic/NHS Interface with Health Research Regulators to help address wicked health and care problems

The health and care system is facing a perfect storm. Factors include changing demographics, increasing number of people with multiple long-term conditions, demand capacity challenges and a growing concern about health inequalities. These are combined with financial challenges, staffing challenges and economic downturn. Health and care research is one way in which the UK can help address some of these wicked problems. Similar to the approaches being taken in the health and care system to tackle problems at ICS level, there needs to be a systems-led approach in R&D leadership and management.

Over the last 2 years, ARMA, the NHS R&D Forum and the HRA have been working together to address some of the challenges that the R&D community have experienced due to the need to serve old power measures of success. These measures have failed to capitalise on the importance of shared purpose, and as we emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to influence change. Hear from colleagues from ARMA, the NHS R&D Forum and the HRA about some of the work they have done on behalf of the R&D community to ensure the right voices are 'at the table' to take forward solutions to challenges including research bureaucracy, secondments across sectors and student projects in research. Engage in conversation as to how, as health and care research moves more towards non-traditional settings and ill health prevention, we can work closer in not only delivering our shared purpose, but also help the wider health and care system tackle some of the wicked problems in society. From lived experience, understand what the key ingredients are for systems working at the national level which can then be adopted back at place. Find out how we can engage more of the R&D community in the new power needed for change.