More than 17,000 people from across Liverpool and the surrounding area have taken part in research at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group) over the past year, helping to shape the future of healthcare.
To mark International Clinical Trials Day on Wednesday 20 May 2026, teams across the group are celebrating the vital role research plays in improving patient care and developing new treatments.
Research is embedded in everyday care across the UHL Group, with patients routinely offered opportunities to take part in studies that advance understanding and improve services. Over the past 12 months, teams have delivered 855 studies spanning all stages of life, from maternity and neonatal care through to long-term conditions, surgery and specialist heart and lung services.
This year’s celebrations also recognise the people behind this work, patients, staff and communities, whose involvement makes research possible.
Among them is Lahja Paulus, the first participant recruited at UHL Group to the NIHR BioResource Improving Black Health Outcomes study. This study is run on the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Liverpool and aims to tackle health inequalities and improve inclusion in research.
Staff are also playing a key role in inspiring the next generation of researchers. Lilian Wajero, a Research Nurse at UHL Group, recently supported a careers day engaging young people in exploring opportunities in clinical trials, helping to build a future workforce equipped to deliver cutting-edge research.
Jules West, Director of Operations for Research & Innovation at UHL Group, said: “Research is part of everyday care across our hospitals, and International Clinical Trials Day is an opportunity to highlight the difference it makes to patients and communities.
“Supporting more than 17,000 participants this year reflects both the dedication of our teams and the willingness of people across Cheshire and Merseyside to get involved. We are grateful to everyone who helps make research possible.”
To find out more about taking part in research, click here.
