Research Champions programme receives national recognition

A programme helping to make research part of everyday healthcare across Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has received national recognition after winning the Embedding Research in Practice Award at the Health and Care Research Wales National Awards.

The award, presented by Mabon ap Gwynfor, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, recognises the success of the Health Board's Research Champions Programme, developed by the Research and Development team to increase research awareness, engagement, participation and delivery across the organisation and local communities.

The programme was established to create a network of advocates who champion the value of research and its contribution to improving patient care and outcomes. At its heart is a commitment to building a research-inclusive culture where people feel informed, involved and able to contribute, regardless of their role or background.

Bringing together staff, patients, carers and members of the public, the initiative is helping to make research more visible, accessible and inclusive across Gwent. Research Champions promote research opportunities, support engagement activities and strengthen connections between research teams, healthcare professionals and local communities.

Since its launch, the programme has grown to include 124 Research Champions, comprising staff, patients, carers and members of the public. Champions represent nursing and midwifery, medicine, allied health professions, healthcare science, administration and support services, demonstrating a truly organisation-wide approach to embedding research in practice.

The programme has already delivered benefits across the Health Board. Research Champions support the delivery of studies, promote participation in research, encourage conversations about research within teams and communities, and help increase awareness of opportunities for patients and staff to get involved. The initiative has also supported professional development, with some Champions progressing into research leadership roles and contributing directly to the delivery of research studies.

Anna Roynon, Research Delivery Senior Team Lead Nurse said: "Research is nothing without people. Our Research Champions Programme is built on people being willing to give their time, share their experiences, ask questions and get involved.

"Without our 100-plus Research Champions, from across so many different departments, professions, staff groups and volunteers, there simply wouldn't be a programme to celebrate. Those conversations and connections are helping to create a culture where research is part of everyday healthcare and where everyone feels they can contribute."

The award recognises the collective efforts of colleagues across the Research and Development team and the growing network of Research Champions who are helping to build a research-active culture throughout the Health Board and wider community.

As the programme continues to grow, it will further strengthen awareness, inclusivity and participation in research, ensuring research is routinely considered in service development, clinical decision-making and patient care across Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.