University of Oxford’s Centre for Research Equity Launches Historic Partnership to Advance Health Equity in Northern Ireland
June 27, 2024
Northern Ireland’s key health and social care agencies with NI Health Minister and delegates from Centre for Research Equity, The University of Oxford.
The University of Oxford’s Centre for Research Equity (CfRE) has today launched a historic partnership to advance health equity in Northern Ireland and ensure everyone benefits from healthcare advancements. This first-of-its-kind collaboration aims to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure that the benefits of research reflect the needs and experiences of all communities and peoples in Northern Ireland and beyond.
The partnership with Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) Division in Northern Ireland, supported by the Department of Health, sees Northern Ireland become the first UK region to partner with the CfRE, bringing together patient and public advocates, healthcare professionals and academics.
Pictured (L-R): Prof Chris Butler, Nuffield Dept of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford University, Prof Mahendra G Patel OBE, Director of the CfRE, Dr Janice Baillie Assistant director HSC R&D Division, Health Minister Mr Mike Nesbett, Prof Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, DoH NI, Prof Ian young, Chief Scientific Advisor, DoH NI, Prof Sir Aziz Sheikh, Incoming head of department NDPCHS
This transformative collaboration brings together key health and social care agencies in Northern Ireland to prioritise inclusivity, equity, and meaningful engagement with diverse communities in health and social care research ensuring that all communities benefit equitably from advances in healthcare. The Partnership aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for the people of Northern Ireland, through collaborative research and provide a Long-term commitment to advancing research equity and building a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
The partnership launch event featured contributions from key stakeholders, including Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, Professor Cathy Harrison, Professor Ian Young, Laura Collins, Professor Mahendra Patel, Professor Richard Hobbs, and Dr Janice Bailie. They addressed various aspects of the partnership, such as its importance for Northern Ireland, the significance of research equity, and the strategic role of the collaboration in developing and implementing a new NI Research and Development strategy.
Pictured: (L-R) Professor Mahendra G Patel, Dr Janice Baillie, Mr Mike Nesbitt, Professor Cathy Harrison and Professor Ian Young
Professor Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer NI welcomed attendees saying, “This initiative builds on the learning and relationships forged during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to developing new collaborative approaches that will ensure that research reaches and includes diverse populations, including those who have been historically underrepresented or faced barriers to accessing research opportunities.”
Pictured: Prof Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer NI
Prof Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor NI also welcomed attendees stating, “This historic partnership unites various sectors in NI including Health and Social Care, academia, industry and the voluntary sector, to leverage our collective strengths. By working together, we aim to advance research equity and address health disparities highlighted by recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pictured: Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor NI
Northern Ireland Health Minister, Mr Mike Nesbitt spoke on the importance of the imitative saying, “This new partnership between our Health and Social Care Research and Development Division and Oxford University represents a significant step forward in efforts to address health inequalities in Northern Ireland. By bringing together leading experts and resources from across sectors, we can work towards conducting research that truly benefits all of our communities.”
Pictured: Mr Mike Nesbitt, Health Minister NI
Ms Laura Collins, People-centred representative, Public Involvement Enhancing Research (PIER) group, HSCR&D, spoke via video on ‘What Research Equity means to Patients and Carers’. “As someone who has spent decades advocating for family carers and individuals with disabilities, I know first-hand how crucial it is for research to reflect the needs and experiences of all communities. The partnership’s commitment to involving all in research is a vital step towards ensuring that everyone can benefit from advances in healthcare.”
Pictured: Laura Collins, People-centred representative, Public Involvement Enhancing Research (PIER) group, HSCR&D
Professor Mahendra G Patel, Director of the Centre for Research Equity, University of Oxford, is passionate about raising awareness and helping to ensure greater visibility of trials UK-wide, making them as widely accessible as possible, especially to people from diverse backgrounds. He said, “At the heart of this ground-breaking partnership between Oxford University and Northern Ireland is a dedication to involving patients, the public, underserved communities, as well as health and care organisations and stakeholders in setting research priorities. We want to ensure that research outcomes are applicable, safe and beneficial to all, and that starts with listening to and engaging with the very people we serve, including those who are often disproportionately affected by poorer health and health outcomes.”
Pictured: Professor Mahendra G Patel, Director of the Centre for Research Equity, University of Oxford
Professor Richard Hobbs, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford appeared via video to encourage a long-term foundation of collaboration to bring about change, saying, “This is not a one-time initiative, but rather a long-term commitment to advancing research equity and improving health outcomes in Northern Ireland and beyond. By building a strong foundation of collaboration and community engagement, we aim to create lasting change.”
Pictured: Professor Richard Hobbs, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford
Finally, Dr Janice Baillie, Assistant Director, HSCR&D, Public Health Agency discussed the ‘Strategic importance of the Partnership for Northern Ireland.’ “The partnership represents our dedicated effort to incorporate the perspectives of diverse communities into our research framework. This collaboration will ensure that our research is inclusive and addresses the unique health needs of all populations in Northern Ireland.”
Pictured: Dr Janice Baillie, Assistant Director, HSCR&D, Public Health Agency
The CfRE-Northern Ireland Partnership represents an unprecedented cross-sector collaboration that has the potential to transform health research and outcomes in the region. The new partnership is the first of multiple ‘hubs’ the CfRE is hoping to set up across the devolved nations and England. By working together to prioritise equity and community engagement, the partners aim to build a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
Pictured: (L-R) Professor Nichola Thomas, Clinical Lead for Research, Royal College of General Practioners, Professor Jonathan Jackson, Director of NI Clinical Research Network and Professor Nigel Hart, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, QUB
Pictured: (L-R) Professor Mahendra G Patel, Professor Jonathan Jackson, and Professor Chris Butler, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford
Pictured: (L-R) Professor Jonathan Jackson, Dr Janet Diffin, Programme Manager HSCR&D, Ms Anne McGlade Social Care Research Lead, NISCC and Alan McMichael, PPI, HSC R&D
There were also portraits of NI Research patients displayed in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings by artist Tanya Poole. These portraits depict patients who took part in the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC clinical research trials and NI Clinical Research Network, Primary Care Lead Professor Nigel Hart. by artist Tanya Poole.
Pictured: Professor Nigel Hart and Artist Ms Tanya Poole.
Pictured: Clinical research Patient Portraits by Artist Tanya Poole.
See below for a full list of Northern Ireland Partner Organisations.
