Annual Research Event Focuses on Partnership Working 

The 2025 BU-UHD Research Conference took place last week focusing on the theme of ‘Working in Partnership’.  

Over 160 delegates from UHD, Bournemouth University (BU), Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare attended as well as many others from organisations within the Dorset Healthcare system.

The event was supported by Wessex Experimental Medicine Network.

Pictured left to right: Dr Peter Wilson, Professor Lois Farquharson, Kyla Thomas and Paul Walters.

Keynote sessions were delivered by Kyla Thomas, Network Director for South West Central Regional Research Delivery Network, looking at impactful partnership working, and Professor Alison Richardson, Deputy Director of Nursing Research for NHS England, who spoke about what research excellence looks like for health and care professionals and organisations.

A series of research showcases looked at the innovative health research already taking place in the region, and encouraged staff from across healthcare organisations to network and think collaboratively about the research capacity and Dorset, and how it can be used to support public health and help people live better for longer.

Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, said: “The latest research conference was a fantastic example of the appetite and interest in research not just at UHD and Bournemouth University, but throughout the Dorset healthcare system. It was a day full of inspiring presentations and opportunities to network and it really showed the desire our organisations have to work together for the benefit of patients and Dorset residents.

“Thank you to everyone who gave their time to make the event such a success.”

Professor Lois Farquharson, Executive Dean of Bournemouth University’s Business School and Chair of the BU-UHD Partnership Steering Group, said, “At BU, we want to work with our local healthcare partners to put our research and resources towards making a difference in our community. The Conference was a wonderful day to be inspired by presentations and examples of innovative research in action, as well as deepening discussions about how we can work together to address key challenges and work for public good. My thanks go to all who took part in the event”.

Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners, said: "It's fantastic to see colleagues connecting and embracing opportunities to combine their excellence and accelerate impact for patient and public benefit in Dorset and more widely. At a time when our health services are under enormous pressure, the need to shift from 'research to reality' has never been greater.

"The range and depth of research projects on show really drove home just how much exciting work we have been able to begin in Dorset. All these groundbreaking projects have huge potential to improve healthcare for patients - with local, national and international impact."