Our first Integrated Care System (ICS) ‘Engage, Enthuse, Empower’ Research Conference was held on 12th June 2025. This was jointly organised by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) and NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) for all system partners. The event was for nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, psychologists, pharmacists, social care and public health practitioners. 220 people attended from all parts of the ICS. Also attending were research volunteers, and colleagues from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the National Institute for Health and Social Care (NIHR).
The theme for the day was ‘From small acorns grow great oaks’. In the morning we heard an inspiring key note speech from Dr Linda Tinkler, Trust Lead for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Research at The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who talked about building her research career while building research capacity in others. Rosa Waddingham, ICB Chief Nurse opened the afternoon session and talked about the aims of the ICS and the importance of its three principles – prevention, equity and integration. She encouraged us to continue undertaking improvement activities for the benefit of people, the population and the workforce; to work together as a system; and to make the most of the afternoon by being inspired, curious and to connect with others. Rosa also officially launched the Nottingham & Nottinghamshire ICS Research and Innovation Hub a one stop shop for information, support and resources to drive innovation, connect colleagues and inspire others to get involved in research.
During the day there were six breakout sessions which included 30 presentations from colleagues across the system showcasing a range of projects including research, innovation, evaluation, audit, quality improvement, practice development and education relating to all aspects of health and care. There were 40 posters to view of which seven were presented in less than three minutes each, in a fun rapid poster session. There were also six workshops on a range of topics: understanding public health; innovation; incorporating research and improvement activities into your practice; writing for publication; evidence into practice; and clinical/practitioner academic careers.
There were a range of marketplace stands where delegates could find out more about knowledge and library services, learning and development opportunities, staff wellbeing services, the NIHR and more. Plus the opportunity to visit two Mobile Research Units (from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) in the car park. The Mobile Research Units take research opportunities out to communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
It was fantastic to see so many people from across the ICS coming together to share and learn. There was a real buzz to the day with lots of conversations and networking taking place. It was a supportive and inspirational conference where we celebrated all the research, innovation and development happening across our system to improve outcomes and care and reduce inequalities for patients and the population. Thank you to everyone involved in the day.