Last week’s UKRD2025 Summit brought together professionals from across the research sector for an inspiring day of discussions, collaboration, and future planning. A key takeaway? The growing need for stronger partnerships, digital transformation, and workforce development to keep NHS research moving forward. One particularly exciting outcome was the agreement to establish a national Joint Research Office (JRO) network alongside an executive group dedicated to digital transformation and engagement—both designed to foster collaboration and share best practices across the sector.
Key Themes from the Discussion
✅ Collaboration & System Working
Collaboration is at the heart of impactful research. The NHS plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world healthcare improvements. But to make research truly scalable and sustainable, stronger partnerships between NHS trusts, research institutions, and funders are essential. A more connected system means faster adoption of new treatments, better integration of emerging technologies, and a research landscape that works in harmony rather than in silos.
✅ Research Workforce & Digital Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles facing NHS research isn’t a lack of innovation—it’s a shortage of digital skills in the workforce. While new technologies have the potential to streamline processes, many NHS trusts are struggling to train and retain staff who can manage automation tools, AI-driven research platforms, and digital workflows.
To make things harder, NHS research teams are competing with private sector salaries in an already budget-strained environment. The reality is that without investment in digital upskilling, the sector risks falling behind. AI, in particular, holds incredible potential to reduce administrative burdens and improve data analysis—but only if staff have the training and support to integrate it effectively.
✅ Sustainability: Keeping Research Going for the Long Run
Sustainability in NHS research isn’t just about funding—it’s about building resilient systems that can evolve with changing research priorities. That means better long-term planning, more efficient processes, and a continued focus on patient-centred outcomes. The challenge now is to ensure that funding structures and research governance don’t just support short-term projects but enable innovation that lasts.
✅ The Shift from R&D to R&I: A Learning Curve for Everyone
There’s been a noticeable shift from Research & Development (R&D) to Research & Innovation (R&I)—and while it’s an exciting transformation, it comes with a steep learning curve.
Traditionally, R&D focused on incremental improvements and structured methodologies, whereas R&I encourages disruptive innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications. NHS trusts are now expected not just to conduct research but to rapidly translate findings into tangible healthcare solutions. This shift demands:
- New skill sets for researchers and clinicians
- More adaptive regulatory frameworks
- A change in mindset—embracing data-driven decision-making and agile research methods
For many in the sector, this transition is challenging but necessary to keep pace with the rapid evolution of healthcare technology.
✅ Digital Transformation & Inclusion
Digital transformation is reshaping how NHS research is conducted, from data management to streamlining administrative workflows. However, as we modernise research systems, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity must remain a priority. Digital tools should help widen participation in research, not create new barriers. Discussions at UKRD2025 highlighted the importance of ensuring that all research teams, regardless of location or resources, can benefit from technological advancements.
Personal Takeaways
Beyond the panel discussions and strategy sessions, UKRD2025 was a fantastic opportunity to connect, share ideas, and catch up with colleagues—both old and new. The energy in the room made it clear: there’s a collective drive to push NHS research forward.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by the Florence booth—our mission remains the same: eliminate paper from research. If there’s one thing we firmly believe, it’s that removing paper-based processes solves more problems than we can count. We’ll keep pushing for that change because, in the hierarchy of research needs, going digital is a foundational step towards everything else.