 Welcome to HRA Latest with news and updates for those working or involved in health and social care research.
This month, there have been some interesting events to report on. I attended The Times Life Sciences Summit and share my take on the discussions, and many of our colleagues presented at the Research and Development Forum annual conference - read their reflections in a new blog.
We've also published our AI plan, which sets out how we will enable safe, AI powered innovation in health and social care research, and we share our new business plan which details how we're performing against the objectives we set in our strategy, and our focus for the year to come.
We also look ahead to Volunteers' Week in June and will be sharing more on the community that are crucial in ensuring the HRA carry out its statutory functions, and we cover how we have marked some important awareness days this month.
For regular updates and the latest news, you can also follow us on LinkedIn.
Matt Westmore, Chief Executive
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  How a more joined up approach can strengthen the UK's research system
After speaking at The Times Life Sciences Summit on 21 May, our Chief Executive Matt Westmore reflects on how a more joined‑up approach could strengthen the UK’s research system - and why it should feel simple and coherent for those who use it.
 Turning strategy into action: our 2026–27 business plan
We've published our business plan for 2026-27 which sets out how we will work to both achieve our objectives and contribute to the UK government's national agenda, with specific, measurable outcomes.
Read a new blog by our Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources, Karen Williams, with an update on our progress in some high-profile areas of work.
 New two-year plan to support safe use of AI in UK health research
This week we published a new two-year plan to help support the safe and trusted use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and social care research across the UK.
The plan outlines how we will work with partners in the devolved governments to help researchers use AI and other new technologies in ways that improve care, while maintaining public trust and protecting participants.
It sets out practical steps that we will take over the next 2 years and focuses on 3 priority areas for action to support safe innovation, improve clarity for researchers, and help ensure public confidence in the use of AI in research.
 Celebrating our volunteers
The beginning of June marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, and we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate and say a big thank you to our amazing Research Ethics Committee, Confidentiality Advisory Group and Generic Document Review Committee volunteers.
We have more than 900 volunteers who are made up of people from a range of backgrounds. They bring different skills and life experiences to review research proposals to make sure they are ethical for the people taking part.
We’re sharing stories about the people who sit on our committees and what inspired them to volunteer, along with thank you messages, including from Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on our website.
 New report shows levels of public involvement in health and social care research in the UK remains high
We've published new data on levels of public involvement in research, as part of our annual analysis of research applications in the UK.
For the third year running, the number of health and social care studies involving patients and the public in research has remained high at 84%.
Read our summary of the data and the full report on our website.
 A milestone year for clinical trials progress
This International Clinical Trials Day, we marked a year of significant progress at the HRA.
Last month, the amended clinical trials regulations came into effect, after years of preparation with the MHRA.
It's been the biggest overhaul of clinical trials legislation in over 2 decades, with reforms designed to speed up access to new medicines and boost the UK life sciences economy while placing patients at the centre of medical research, with tangible, positive changes for the research community.
 HRA at the Research and Development Forum (RDF) conference 2026
Earlier this month, we attended the RDF annual conference in Birmingham to spotlight some of the work we’re doing as part of the
Read reflections from our colleagues on the event about the feeling of progress and collaboration.
 Global Accessibility Awareness Day blog
Last week we marked Global Accessibility Awareness Day, building on our efforts to make involvement in the HRA’s work more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
Barbara Molony‑Oates, Public Involvement Manager, shares how we’re improving how we understand and support people’s access needs - making it easier for individuals to get involved in our work and have a positive experience when they do.
 Publication on neural organoid research
Earlier this month, we responded to the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ latest report on neural organoid research, highlighting the need for clearer governance in this rapidly evolving area.
 Research Systems programme show and tell
We’re sharing more about our work to build better research systems at our quarterly programme show and tell, where you can hear the latest updates about the programme and our progress.
The event will be held on MS Teams on Tuesday 2 June from 2-3pm and is open to all.
Join the event on Teams, or email Ellen Swainston, Documentation Support Manager at the HRA, with any queries regarding attending the online event.
News from across UK research
Below are some updates you may have missed about health and social care research in the UK:
- the Academy of of Medical Sciences published its report on delivering trials in the community
- new Medical Research Council investment has been confirmed to support clinical research careers in the UK. Find out more.
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