Research inclusion is fundamental to delivering high‑quality, relevant research that reflects the needs of the populations it seeks to serve. In the West Midlands, this is being progressed through coordinated collaboration with colleagues across the wider NIHR infrastructure.
By aligning activity and working at scale, we are strengthening delivery, reducing duplication, and maximising the impact of existing investment. This approach supports the development of a more inclusive research system, benefiting both the public and the research community, and contributes to addressing health inequalities and wider social inequities.
With several of us working to progress research inclusion, we have been working in the West Midlands and beyond to partner with our colleagues in other National Institute for Health and Care Research infrastructures. Working together, we can make the most of our combined activities, maximise our impact, and minimise duplication. Crucially, this means we can all build towards an inclusive research ecosystem, to the benefit of the public and research community, and address health inequalities and social inequities.