Collaborating to shape the future of the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre

On 29 January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) brought together over 150 researchers, clinicians, patients, public contributors and regional partners for a full-day strategic workshop focused on co-designing the Centre’s future direction.  

Hosted at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre, at the University of Birmingham, the event marked an important step in planning ahead for our BRC. 

Setting the tone: ambition, excellence and collective strength 

The event was opened by Professor Neil Hanley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham. Neil spoke about the breadth, depth and strength of Birmingham’s research community, and emphasised the need for ambition as we collectively shape the future of our research programme. 

Following this, Professor Andrew Filer, BRC Director, welcomed attendees and highlighted the opportunity to build a shared, forward-looking vision rooted in collaboration across all partners. He also underlined how research inclusion should underpin all our work: “The West Midlands’ exceptionally diverse population is often referenced as one of the strengths of our region”, he said, “but this is not always reflected in our trial participants. We have to keep strengthening our relationships with communities, build trust, and ensure that our studies include and benefit everyone.” 

Participants then heard from Dr Victoria Day, BRC Head of Infrastructure, who provided an overview of the BRC, including its remit, funding model, expectations and impact; and from Professor Trish Lalor, recently appointed BRC Deputy Director, who led a session focused on key considerations for future BRC activity. 

Next up was Sobia Shaw, a longstanding patient representative working across several BRC PPI groups and governance meetings, who shared her experience working with us for the past years and reminded attendees of the importance of involving patient and public partners at all stages of research: “Nothing about me, without me”, she concluded. 

Shaping ideas through co-design and shared expertise 

The core of the workshop centred around interactive co-design. Attendees worked in groups to explore research synergies, examine shared challenges, and begin constructing early representations of future research priorities. 

After lunch, groups presented their emerging ideas to the room. These pitches sparked questions, refinement and the identification of crosscutting opportunities across the wide range of specialisms represented. 

Crucially, patients and public contributors participated throughout, ensuring lived experience, community priorities and accessibility considerations shaped discussions from the outset. 

Sobia Shaw, Chair of BRC’s Liver and Gastrointestinal patient and public involvement group, member of our BRC Public and Patient Advisory Group (PPAG) and PPAG representative on our Executive Board, said: “As one of the 27 patient and public representatives here today, I’m grateful to see so many people committed to listening and learning. Being included in these conversations means a lot – it shows that the patient voice isn’t an afterthought, but a valued part of how decisions are made.” 

An afternoon refinement session allowed groups to revisit and adjust their ideas based on feedback shared during the plenary discussions. 

Closing reflections and next steps 

The day concluded with final remarks from Professor Filer, capturing key insights, highlighting the energy and ambition demonstrated across groups, and outlining the next steps in the strategic development process.  

Professor Andrew Filer said: “Today demonstrated the exceptional strength and collaborative spirit of our research community. The ideas, insights and lived experiences shared here will play a central role in shaping an ambitious and inclusive strategy for the BRC’s future. Our success will come from working together across disciplines, organisations and communities to deliver research that truly improves lives across the region and beyond.”