HDRC Leicestershire Research to Reality training series

The HDRC Leicestershire Research to Reality training series concluded a successful year in September with 94 attendees across the four-session series.

A group of people sitting around a table having a discussion and taking notes

The series is aimed at county council staff with an interest in research, covering:

  • the basics of how to access research
  • how to read a research paper
  • how we use research
  • an introduction to research methods

The aim of the sessions is to support staff in using research in day-to-day work and to help engagement with partners, including university collaborators. Each session has been delivered with university partners to provide subject expertise.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with comments from the recent sessions including:

 

Exceptionally helpful sessions looking through the research cycle and governance…

 
 

Really interesting and stimulating! Thank you so much!

 

The programme will continue next year, aiming to deepen colleagues understanding of the research cycle, including topics such as research ethics and using statistics.

To increase the reach of the sessions within the council, the first online module became available to staff during October 2025 with an ambition to provide an online option for each module as the programme progresses.

Looking ahead, the programme aims to broaden its impact by offering limited spaces to external partners. This will support those looking to enhance their research capabilities and foster stronger partnerships with HDRC Leicestershire.

Leicestershire Matters

The HDRC Leicestershire Research to Reality training series concluded a successful year in September with 94 attendees across the four-session series.

We have filled the final spot on our Public Advisory Group (PAG), forming a diverse panel of eight members. This is an important step towards ensuring our work is informed by a broad range of public voices and lived experiences.

Young people in three Leicestershire schools will have the opportunity to have their say in the future of health research and meet a Great British Bake Off star as part of a new project.

Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Leicestershire hosted its first event with members of the public in March 2025.

We're introducing a series of learning sessions to help improve research skills.

Money to help boost research into Leicestershire's health given go ahead.