NHS Research and Development Forum's annual conference sets up shop in Newcastle and Gateshead

The NHS Research and Development Forum Annual Conference, known as RDF23, will be held in Newcastle and Gateshead for the first time next week.

Taking place at the Sage from May 21st to 23rd 2023, RDF23 is being delivered in association with the Health Research Authority, with sponsorship from regional organisations Invest Newcastle, Newcastle University, Newcastle Hospitals, the North East and North Cumbria Academic Health and Science Network (AHSN) and Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP), as well as support from industry.

The NHS Research and Development Forum serves as a vital platform, connecting, supporting, and representing individuals working in research and development roles within the healthcare sector. Its mission is to enable healthcare research and innovation to thrive in the United Kingdom, ultimately benefiting patients and the wider public.

The decision to hold RDF23 in the North East highlights the region’s strength in clinical research and its rich heritage in innovation, particularly in the field of health and life sciences. The region has long been recognised as a hub for ground-breaking research and development, and hosting RDF23 underscores the commitment to fostering innovation.

This year’s conference is particularly noteworthy, given the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, as the UK strives to position itself as the premier global destination for investment in innovation, demonstration, and commercialisation, RDF23 provides a crucial platform to discuss and showcase the latest developments in healthcare research.

The conference will offer insights into how the sector can build resilience, adapt to change, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Angela Topping, head of the Newcastle joint research office and executive member of the NHS R&D Forum, said: “I am so proud to be able to host RDF23 in our city – our largest conference to date. It has been four years since we last got together in person, and the power of relationships built at such events is how health and care research will thrive in a post-pandemic world.

“This conference also presents a unique opportunity to showcase our diverse health and life sciences community and we are eager to engage with delegates from various backgrounds to collectively shape the future of health and care research.”

Becky Crow, health and life sciences Lead, Invest Newcastle, said: “The North East’s vibrant clinical research community, coupled with its impressive track record of innovation, makes it the ideal location for RDF23. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the country to this exciting event and exploring how we can collectively shape the future of healthcare research.”

Hannah Powell, chief operating officer at NHIP, added: “We are delighted that Newcastle is hosting the conference this year. Our strong track record of partnership working and the excellent standard of world class research and development in our area is something we are incredibly proud of.

“Particularly as this was formally recognised by NHS England and the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NHIR) who designated us as a prestigious Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC), one of only eight across the country. We look forward to welcoming delegates to our area at the conference next week.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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