UHNM getting red-y to celebrate clinical research on #Red4Research Day

Professor Kamaraj Karunanithi, Director of Research and Innovation and Sarah Jones, Head of Research

Members of the public along with staff from across University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) are being encouraged to wear something red this Friday (20 June) to celebrate the difference clinical research makes in saving and improving lives. 

Friday is #Red4Reserach Day, a national campaign to show appreciation and support for all those participating, supporting and undertaking research. 

As part of the celebrations, staff from both UHNM’s Research and Innovation (R&) department and the Centre of NMAHP Research for Education Excellence (CenREE) will be holding a special event at the Royal Stoke’s Wellbeing Wagon between 10am-1pm. 

Both patients and staff will have the opportunity to speak to teams from R&I and CenREE to find out more about the vital role research plays in improving patient outcomes and how they can get involved. 

Professor Kamaraj Karunanithi, Director of Research and Innovation at UHNM, said: “#Red4Research Day brings together everybody involved in research including patients, UHNM staff, academics and industry partners to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role that health and care research plays in improving patient outcomes. 

“#Red4Reserach is a reminder that it’s people that make research happen, from frontline staff and the participants to our research team working hard behind the scenes. We wear red to honour their incredible contribution and celebrate the lasting impact of health and care research.

“From t-shirts to socks, ties to tights, we’re inviting everybody to join in #Red4Reserach Day and recognise the difference research makes to patient outcomes by wearing something red and using the hashtag #Red4Research”

Figures show that more than 2,300 patients took part in research at either the Royal Stoke University Hospital or County Hospital in Stafford during the period April 2024 to March 2025.

In December 2024 it was announced that UHNM is set to become one of 20 Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) across the UK.

Dr Alison Cooke, Assistant Director of Nursing, Research and Academic Development and CeNREE Lead at UHNM said: “On #RedforResearch Day we remember that evidence-based practice is crucial in providing the best care for our patients. UHNM’s Centre for NMAHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE) is all about encouraging to be curious and ask questions about best care. The CeNREE team can help anyone with a clinical question to find or develop research evidence to support best practice.”