June Newsletter
Date: 30 June 2026
Welcome to the RDF June 2026 Newsletter
Dear Members,
Welcome to the June edition of the RDF newsletter.
Following the energy and insights shared at the conference in May, building on and maintaining momentum, our attention now turns to RDF27 and the opportunities ahead. As ever, one of the defining strengths of the R&D Forum is the support members offer one another – sharing information, practical solutions and experience across a fast-moving and often demanding landscape. There’s so many challenges in play at the moment, lean on your colleagues, ask how people have achieved things you’re struggling with and if you’ve solved a thorny issue, shout about it! You may well provide that final piece that makes something solvable in our perpetual multi-piece jigsaw world!
That spirit is reflected throughout this edition. From the upcoming HIVE Mind Knowledge Sharing Session on research study set-up, to national updates on clinical research delivery, inclusion, public involvement and the safe use of AI, there is a clear theme of collaboration in action. Across the community, colleagues continue to exchange ideas and develop strategies to achieve the latest metrics, address barriers, and maintain performance in an increasingly V.U.C.A. world.
As we look ahead, that collective commitment to learning, improvement and mutual support will be more important than ever. RDF27 will provide another valuable opportunity to come together, share progress, and shape the future of research delivery with confidence and purpose. We’ve started the planning already…… save the dates! 9th to 11th May, 2027!
Carolyn Maloney
R&D Forum Trustee
RDF27 – Save the Date
Planning is already underway for RDF27, which will once again be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole following another successful conference this year.
While it’s still early days, we’re looking forward to bringing the research and development community together for another programme of learning, discussion, networking and collaboration.
Over the coming months we’ll be sharing more information about the conference, including opportunities to submit abstracts, book exhibition and sponsorship packages, and register to attend.
Keep an eye on future RDF mailings and social media for announcements. We look forward to welcoming you to RDF27 from 9-11 May 2027.
Register for RDF27 Updates
SAVE THE DATE HIVE MIND: Knowledge Sharing Session – Research Study Set-up
To support ongoing national efforts to reduce clinical trial study set-up times to a maximum of 150 days, the Research and Development Forum (RDF) will be hosting further HIVE Mind Knowledge Sharing Sessions, with the first being delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Date: Thursday 16 July 2026
Time: 11:00–12:00
A calendar invite will follow for those in HIVE Mind. If you wish to join this session, you must be part of HIVE Mind Group. Find out more here.
Building on strong interest from previous HIVE Mind discussions, this session provides an open, peer-supported space for colleagues across the R&D community to share learning, challenges, and innovations in study set-up. Participation is open to all who wish to contribute or learn, as we recognise that progress is driven by collective insight and shared experience.
The aims of the session are for the DHSC:
- To hear directly from the R&D community about ongoing barriers impacting clinical trial study set-up
- To build a clearer understanding of where challenges and confusion remain
- To explore how current interventions can be better embedded or improved
- To identify practical, scalable solutions to support sites and enhance delivery
The DHSC are particularly keen to hear about local approaches and innovations in:
- Pharmacy
- Radiation
- Information governance
- Capacity and capability
- Use of AI in study set-up
Participants are encouraged to share real examples from their organisations, alongside views on the guidance, support, or system changes that would make the greatest difference.
This peer-led approach aims to foster shared learning across the community, with further sessions to be arranged based on need and feedback.
Join HIVE Mind Group
RDF at ARMA UK Conference
RDF’s Carolyn Maloney and Philippa Brice joined the ARMA UK Conference to represent the Research and Development Forum at the Harrogate Convention Centre earlier this month.
| It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate good practice in the sector and reflect on the needs of the research management community. A full report of the conference will be available in next month’s newsletter. |
NIHR Updates
HRA UPDATE: HRA at the Research and Development Forum (RDF) conference 2026
Thanks to our colleagues at the HRA for sharing their reflections of RDF26 conference in Birmingham from 10-12 May 2026. Read their reflections below. |
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HRA UPDATE: HRA Business plan 2026-27
The HRA have published their business plan for 2026-27 which sets out how they will work to both achieve their objectives and contribute to the UK government’s national agenda, with specific, measurable outcomes. |
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HRA UPDATE: New two-year plan to support safe use of AI in UK health research
The HRA published a new two-year plan to help support the safe and trusted use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and social care research across the UK.
The plan outlines how the HRA will work with partners in the devolved governments to help researchers use AI and other new technologies in ways that improve care, while maintaining public trust and protecting participants.
It sets out practical steps that the HRA will take over the next 2 years and focuses on 3 priority areas for action to support safe innovation, improve clarity for researchers, and help ensure public confidence in the use of AI in research. |
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HRA UPDATE: New report shows levels of public involvement in health and social care research in the UK remains high
The HRA have published new data on levels of public involvement in research, as part of their annual analysis of research applications in the UK. For the third year running, the number of health and social care studies involving patients and the public in research has remained high at 84%. |
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NVCR changes from 1st July 2026
From 1 July 2026, a test and learn approach for a more streamlined NCVR process is to be introduced. The approach, which has been co-developed by NHS England, DHSC, NIHR and HRA, in partnership with Devolved Nations, and working closely with sites will ensure an accelerated national negotiation process for all commercial contract research studies. |
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NIHR Industry Hub support for the NCVR changes:
Dr. Maria Koufali, Life Sciences Industry Director, has shared an update of the support the NIHR Industry Hub will provide to support the NCVR changes. |
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UK clinical research update
This most recent update summarises recent news, announcements, guidance, and updates on progress made to propel the aims of the UK Clinical Research Delivery programme of work. This update provides examples of how organisations individually and collaboratively are achieving the collective goal of making the UK a world leader in clinical trials. |
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£18 million boost to expand prostate cancer trial access for Black men
Thousands more Black men across the UK will be invited to take part in a major prostate cancer screening study under a new Government-backed funding package. The funding will improve diagnosis and tackle health inequalities. The expansion centres on the TRANSFORM trial – the UK’s largest and most ambitious prostate cancer screening study in decades. The trial, co-funded by the NIHR and Prostate Cancer UK, will examine different combinations of the most promising screening techniques available to identify the safest and most effective ways to detect cancer. |
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Innovative clinical research: delivering trials in the community
In November 2025, the Academy of Medical Sciences, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) jointly organised a FORUM workshop focusing on decentralised methods of clinical trial delivery. The report has now been published and you can read it below. |
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| Resources from The Research and Development Forum are there to support health and care research in the UK.
Browse the Resources available to the RDF below. |
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Contacting The Research and Development Forum
As a reminder, should you need to contact the Forum the best way is via email which is info@rdforum.org.uk
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