TO BE PUBLISHED February 2026
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This conference will focus on next steps for clinical trials and research in the UK, examining both practical and strategic priorities.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to consider implementation of a range of recent policy proposals and measures aimed at strengthening the UK’s clinical research environment. These include the MHRA and HRA’s The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations, DHSC’s Transforming the UK clinical research system, the Medium Term Planning Framework, Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10-Year Health Plan for England, as well as the 2025 Spending Review commitment to establish a new Health Data Research Service.
Areas for discussion include the way forward for accelerating study set-up and delivery, and for improving patient access and recruitment, including integrating trials into routine NHS care. With an additional £300m for NHS tech and digital tools announced in the Autumn Budget 2025, it will be an opportunity to discuss ways forward for increasing research activity in the NHS through improved digital connectivity. Sessions will also look at approaches to improving how NHS data is recorded, as well as for its efficient and secure use to support quality of research.
Delegates will examine proposals for streamlining approvals and contracting, strengthening capacity across the system, and deployment of funding for research infrastructure. There will also be a focus on building public confidence and engagement, the workforce support and talent pipeline needed to meet future demand, as well as the positioning of the UK as a favoured venue for clinical research.
Implementing new regulations & increasing engagement
Attendees will consider practical steps for putting in place the updated regulations aimed at streamlining the regulatory environment and facilitating access to innovative treatments, including the role of ICBs in proactively supporting the development and delivery of clinical trials.
Ways to support increased participation in trials will be discussed, such as through the NHS App and improved local engagement. This includes best practice in the use of inclusion and diversity plans to tackle underrepresentation in trials, and wider approaches to improving equity of access and outcomes, as well as practicalities for integrating trials into primary and community care.
Data governance concerns and barriers to public trust will also be addressed as research access to data is centralised, including strategies to ensure transparency and safeguards, and improve public messaging.
Delivery practicalities, research, data & AI safeguards
The agenda looks at practical issues for achieving delivery goals, including the 150-day study set-up target, and implementing the Combined Review and standardised contracting in streamlining clinical trial processes.
Expectations for the contribution of new commercial research delivery centres and regional research hubs will also be discussed in this context, including their role in supporting the Health Data Research Service and wider delivery infrastructure. Delegates will look at steps to reduce duplication and delays, alongside priorities for the HDRS in providing secure, timely access while maintaining confidentiality and public trust.
We expect discussion to examine the potential for AI and precision medicine to improve trial design and efficiency, as well as priorities for addressing concerns over safeguards for AI integration, following the newly published AI for Science Strategy, which aims to accelerate the preclinical phase of the drug discovery pipeline while optimising clinical trials.
The Government’s recently published strategy on Replacing animals in science will also be discussed, including examination of circumstances in which alternative methods may be possible, alongside key considerations for maintaining safety and efficacy.
Key enablers: talent pipeline & global partnerships
Attendees will consider how the UK can secure the future pipeline of clinical research talent and create sustainable career pathways. We expect discussion to reflect proposals for a national career framework and the development of joint NHS-university posts, and issues including developing clearer leadership and progression routes for clinicians engaged in research.
The introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy will also be examined, as well ways forward for maintaining the clinical research workforce following plans for an international student fee levy set out in the Budget. Regional delivery and consistency will be discussed, and strategies for ensuring that opportunities to enter and progress within research careers are accessible across the health system, as well as factors related to visas and the immigration system.
Delegates will also assess key strategic steps for positioning the UK as a partner of choice for global research collaboration and investment, looking at priorities for maintaining competitiveness in commercial and non-commercial trials. Issues expected for discussion include the role of new delivery centres and regional hubs in expanding market capacity, and what may be needed to bolster the UK’s reputation as an international base for innovation and data-driven life sciences research.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include officials from the Department of Health and Social Care; House of Commons Library; and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Office for Investment; Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
