I hope you’ll forgive the fact that what follows is the news release but I am part of the team presenting with Jonathan Sheffield at next week’s British Science Festival and I really couldn’t put it better than this.  The ‘live trial’ is very exciting indeed and the first dip in the water for a concept that we have been bouncing around for some time which I loosely call either ‘Trialwatch’ or ‘TrialInADay’ – using media and new technology to encourage mass participation in studies to answer serious research questions…….

National Institute for Health Research to make debut at British Science Festival with live trial

This September will see the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)’s debut show at the British Science Festival and the organisation’s first ever live trial.

The British Science Festival is an annual celebration of science, engineering and technology, with over 250 events, activities, exhibitions and trips taking place over six days from Saturday 7 September to Thursday 12 September. The festival, which is hosted by Newcastle this year, will make a big ‘noise’ for science, technology and engineering regionally, nationally and beyond.

This year’s theme is ‘Making Waves’ and is focusing on discoveries, inventions and research that have made an impact on our lives, and more importantly, what will make an impact in future.

The NIHR’s show called “From bench to bedside: how clinical research is making waves in patient care” will take place on Thursday 12 September from 4-5:30pm at Northern Stage, Stage 2 in Newcastle. The show, hosted by Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network Jonathan Sheffield, will include the unique opportunity to take part in a piece of live research called The COMET trial which tests reaction speed.

The event is an interactive and fun show aimed at the general public. Alongside the live trial it also includes audience interaction and a piece of original theatre. The event is free to attend and people can book their place online.

People can find out more about The COMET trial which members of the public can also participate in online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NIHRCOMETtrial