Grampian conference well-received thanks to focus on partnership working and patient-centred research
The recent Grampian Research Conference successfully ‘demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning’ for improved cancer outcomes
Over 200 delegates from across academia, healthcare, research, and industry came together for the 11th Grampian Research Conference, which took place on 14–15 May at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen.
The event organised in collaboration with NHS Research Scotland (NRS) and the University of Aberdeen’s Interdisciplinary Institute, focussed on the vital theme of ‘Better Cancer Outcomes’.
Attendees at the inspiring two-day event were invited to explore, discover, and connect as Grampian, and Scotland as a whole, continues to unite in the battle against cancer in its many forms.
Organisers said the gathering “showcased the strength of collaborative research across NHS Grampian, universities, research networks, industry partners, and patient representatives, with a shared focus on improving outcomes and experiences through partnership working and patient-centred research”.
Chief Executive at NHS Grampian, Laura Skaife-Knight said: “The Grampian Research Conference once again demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning in advancing research and further improving care for patients across Grampian and beyond.
“On behalf of the organisation team and myself, we would like to thank all speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for contributing to another successful conference and helping to create valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and future collaboration. Thank you also to our partners at RGU for hosting the event.”
The conference opened at RGU’s Sir Ian Wood Building with welcome addresses and a series of sessions highlighting research capacity building within Grampian.
Speakers explored topics including expanding specialist research teams, strengthening cancer research portfolios, developing clinical academic careers, and building collaborative research infrastructure across the region.
Sessions covered areas such as:
- Adolescent and young adult cancer support
- Inequalities in access to research opportunities
- Innovations in primary care research delivery
- Improving participation in clinical trials
The programme for day 2 of the conference incorporated dedicated sessions from the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Reproductive Health and Childbirth Speciality Group, the Interdisciplinary Institute, and the Aberdeen Breast Unit Clinical Trials and Research teams, demonstrating the breadth of research activity taking place across the north of Scotland.
Delegates heard from a wide range of expert speakers and panel members representing the Association for British Pharmaceutical Industry, Chief Scientist Office of Scottish Government, CRDC UK Network, RDN Coordinating Centre, Novabiotics, TauRx, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, and Universities including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Imperial, Robert Gordon and Sheffield.
Discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing modern research delivery, including workforce development, inclusion in research, digital innovation, and collaborative approaches to improving patient outcomes.
An evening reception and networking dinner held at Aberdeen Town House on Thursday 14 further provided attendees with the opportunity to connect across disciplines, celebrate achievements, and strengthen existing partnerships. The evening also featured presentations showcasing ongoing research studies and innovations across the region.
The second day of the conference focused on reproductive health and childbirth research, improving patient access to research through regional networks, rural cancer research, family and young person-centred services, and emerging clinical innovations including TIL/TCR therapies.
NHS Grampian is one of 21 Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs), and also hosted a dedicated session on the CRDC UK Network led by its Operations Director. The Directors of Grampian and London NW CRDCs launched the Network’s research inclusion strategy (BRIDGE), while the Manager of the North Midlands CRDC ran a dedicated workshop on integrating EDGE with PowerBI to improve clinical trials workflow.
The strength of collaboration across NHS Grampian, partner Health Boards, universities, research networks, industry partners, and patient representatives was evident throughout the conference, demonstrating the shared ambition to advance research and innovation across the region.
Publication date: 8th June 2026
