Join the local research community to help improve healthcare – for you, and everyone else

Research for The Future is part of the NHS in Manchester that organises clinical research with the help of members of the public, helping to support the NHS in the development of new treatments that benefit everyone. 

And in light of the past 18 months, the importance of medical research is more apparent than ever. 

Thanks to the work of scientists, clinicians, doctors, and patients across the globe, vaccines have been developed to fight the pandemic, helping all of us to get back to normal. 

Professor Andy Ustianowski, a leading expert in clinical and vaccine research, says: “The success of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK is down to research and every person who volunteers”.

Members of the public have always taken part in clinical trials, shared their opinions in surveys and helped design studies that have led to scientists and clinicians making important discoveries that help people the world over. 

Health research is ever advancing – and you can play a part and get involved. Everyone has the opportunity to put their name forward. 

There are so many ways you can help.

Every new drug or treatment related to public healthcare is tested thoroughly and trialled to ensure safety and effectiveness. 

But it’s not all about drugs and medicine. Health research can involve activities as varied as testing out a new smartphone app or a website, completing an online survey, or being part of a discussion group about a specific topic. 

When asked in patient surveys, research participants in the past have responded positively about the importance of helping to make a difference, saying: “It’s pleasing to know that any efforts I made might help other people in the future and maybe even myself,” and “I like the thought that research might help somebody else so they don’t have to go through what I did.”

Research helps improve the current pool of knowledge in the fight against diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease, not to mention many more health issues that affect millions of people every day, making it easier to tackle health problems in the future. Participants also gain more insight into their own health and make improvements to their lives.  

However, all this vital work is only possible with the support of the general public. It’s thanks to their help that modern medicine has come so far. 

If you’re over the age of 18, you can be part of the vital role Research for The Future plays in improving the lives of others for many generations to come. Take a look at the Research For The Future website for more information on how you can start making a difference today.