Research Opportunities
Often, Haref is asked to help connect researchers from local academic institutions or VCSE organisation with ethnically-marginalised groups. This helps to diversify studies, and means that research is more applicable for all communities.
We have rounded up the latest opportunities below for August 2026.
Transforming Research for Underrepresented Societies Through Inclusive Partnerships with African and Caribbean Communities (TEAM TRUST)
Details of the Roundtable Discussion
Venue: One Strawberry Lane, 2nd Floor, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX. Thursday 3 September 2026: 13:00 - 15:00.
Dr Sophia Amenyah and Dr Hibbah Araba Osei-Kwasi are two researchers from African Heritage. They are part of Team TRUST, a research project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The team brings together researchers and community members, many of whom are from African and Caribbean backgrounds.
They would like to hear your views and experiences of how African and Caribbean communities are involved in health and social care research, as well as your perspectives on the guidance currently available. They want to understand what is working well, what could be improved, and how research can better reflect and respond to the needs and priorities of our communities.
What you share will help them develop practical resources that make it easier for African and Caribbean communities to take part in research and have a stronger voice in shaping future research. They know that community leaders and community members have valuable knowledge and experience. Your views are important, and they would be delighted if you could join their roundtable discussion.
Appreciation for your time
As a thank you for taking part, you will receive a £35 gift voucher. We will also provide hot lunch and refreshments during the session.
Confirm attendance
To help plan catering and refreshments, could you please let them know if you’re able to attend? If you have any questions or would like more information, please get in touch.
Phone: 07718130550
From understanding to action: reducing stigma, addressing trauma and improving outcomes for women, families and communities
Monday 2 November, 9:00 - 16:00
Join leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts-by-experience from across the region for a powerful one-day conference exploring some of the most pressing challenges facing women, families and marginalised communities.
This unique practice improvement event will bring together national speakers with regional leaders in research, public health, social care and community organisations to examine how stigma, trauma and disadvantage shape people's lives - and what we can do differently to improve outcomes.
This event is jointly hosted by: Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health; NIHR School for Public Health Research; Office for Health Improvement and Disparities; Newcastle City Council; and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria.
NIHR Dementia and Neurodegeneration Policy Research Unit at Queen Mary, University of London (DeNPRU-QM)
DeNPRU-QM conduct research on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, care service, and workforce needs.
They are conducting an interview study focused on people living with dementia or multiple sclerosis (MS) who either self-identify as belonging to an ethnically-minoritised group or have faced challenges navigating healthcare services due to their personal characteristics. For family carers, the interview would focus on their perspective on their relative's experiences of using services.
The interview will take around 45 minutes to complete and can be done flexibly, as preferred by the participants. As a token of appreciation for their time, participants will be offered a £35 voucher.
If you have any questions about DeNPRU-QM or this study, please read this information sheet or contact denpru@qmul.ac.uk
Are you a member of the public/patient who wants to get involved in PPIE in research?
Thursday 24 September, 10:00 - 12:00
This session is aimed at patients or members of the public (together called ‘Public Contributors’) who are curious about, new to or less experienced with healthcare research and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).
The session will last approximately 2 hours and will cover the basic concepts in research, why the involvement of Public Contributors (also known by other names including Research Partner, Patient Advocates, Patient Advisors, Patient Representatives, Consumers) is vital and what is Patient & Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in healthcare research. The primary focus will be on Involvement activities, the definition of which will be discussed early in the training session.
The session will be run by highly experienced Public Contributors and will be conducted using non-technical language with any necessary technical terms used similarly explained. It will consist of presentations, group discussions and practical exercises to that you can get a good feel for what being a Public Contributor is like or simply refresh your knowledge.
Learning Objectives
- Have a basic understanding of basic research concepts, the different types of research and some research terminology
- Understand how Public Contributors can help improve research projects
- Understand the basic role of a Public Contributor role and have the confidence (regardless of experience) to contribute their views
- Understand, where payable, reimbursement for your time
The Eventbrite link is here.
