Researchers, innovators, clinicians, industry partners, patients and communities from across the North West Coast are being invited to take part in a major new event celebrating the future of health and care.
The inaugural North West Coast Research and Innovation Showcase 2026 will take place on 25 November 2026, bringing together people from across health, care, academia, industry and the voluntary sector to share ideas, build connections and explore innovations that are making a difference to people's lives.
The showcase marks an exciting new chapter for one of the region's longest-running celebrations of research excellence. Building on the success of the North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards, the expanded format will combine presentations, interactive exhibits, networking opportunities and discussions with the prestige of the annual awards programme.
Running from 3pm to 8pm, the event will provide opportunities for attendees to discover pioneering research and innovation, learn from leading projects, explore emerging technologies and discuss how innovation can help improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
The event is being delivered in partnership by Health Innovation North West Coast and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (ARC NWC), organisations that work to bridge the gap between research, innovation and improvements in health and care services.
Alongside the showcase programme, the event will continue to celebrate excellence through a range of award categories recognising outstanding achievements in research, innovation, collaboration and public involvement. Categories include Innovation in Workforce Culture, Patient Safety and Care Improvement, Research Capacity Building, Sustainability, Tackling Health Inequalities and The Ruth Young Award for Public Involvement in Research Implementation.
Applications will be judged on innovation and impact, with particular emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity and addressing local, regional and national health and care priorities.
This year's showcase will also spotlight areas including artificial intelligence, data-driven innovation, personalised care, prevention, community-based healthcare and approaches that help reduce health inequalities.
Ready to showcase your work?
Whether you're leading research, delivering innovation in practice, building partnerships or driving improvements for patients and communities, we want to hear your story.
Submissions should be made through https://www.healthinnovationnwc.nhs.uk/north-west-coast-research-and-innovation-showcase.
The deadline for submission is 5pm on 16 September 2026.
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