Scotland red-y to unite in celebration of annual research awareness day
Members of the public, study participants, and researchers are set to unite across Scotland in a show of strength to help raise awareness around #Red4Research Day (Friday 19)
The celebration — now in its seventh year — urges all to come together by wearing red, demonstrating support and appreciation for the commitment of those who continue to participate in, deliver, and support clinical research.
With a variety of initiatives planned across Scotland’s health and care settings, #Red4Research Day 2026 is an opportunity to share what research means to all, the impact it has, and why it is so important.
The day champions a Research and Development (R&D) community which is innovative, flexible and dynamic. It also recognises that research doesn’t just happen, people make it happen — from research participants, patients, and volunteers to professionals and regulatory bodies.
In collaboration with the health and care sectors and voluntary organisations, Scotland’s R&D community continues to achieve a huge amount.
This year’s Scottish #Red4Research activity includes:
- NHS Lanarkshire hosting #Red4Research stands at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride, University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, and University Hospital Wishaw to spread awareness to public and staff
- A #Red4Research coffee morning organised by ACCORD — a partnership between the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, combining clinical research expertise — from which photos will be posted on social media, along with quotes and photos of team members
- A #Red4Research stand at the Western General Hospital’s annual garden party, hosted by the Royal Victoria Building (RVB) with patients, visitors, and staff all welcome to attend the Edinburgh event and learn more
- NHS Research Scotland Cardiovascular Research Network Champion, Professor Lis Neubeck commenting: “We’d like to thank everyone for making cardiovascular research happen across NHS Scotland and #Red4Research Day is a great opportunity to say it.”
Head of Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government, Euan Dick said: “For the past seven years, #Red4Research Day has continuously served as a uniting force for demonstrating just how proud we are of our incredibly diverse and ever-expanding research community here in Scotland.
“Research never stands still and our progressive infrastructure reflects that.”
Over the last year, Scotland saw more than 1,600 trials take place with more than 61,000 participants. Increased activity is evident across a range of therapy areas and significant work is underway to increase the number of trials being set up and delivered in Scotland.
Four Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs) in Glasgow, Grampian, Lothian, and Tayside are supporting and accelerating innovative clinical trials, giving patients the opportunity to efficiently access treatments that are not routinely available.
A well-established network of Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) continues to provide purpose-built environments for patient-oriented research. These offer access to cutting-edge clinical facilities and opportunities for research scientists to work closely with clinical researchers, supporting the advancement of new therapies and treatments for patients.
Research is also now reaching further into Scottish communities with the advent of the Practice Embedded Research Unit (PERU) model, helping to expand opportunities for participation by transforming how commercial clinical research is delivered in primary and community care, ultimately benefitting both patients and staff.
Penicuik Medical Practice was the first PERU to open earlier this year, turning aims for research to be delivered closer to home into reality, with many more GP practices now interested in this opportunity.
Scotland’s topic network and specialty groups continue to support research across a range of areas including cancer, dementia, cardiovascular and mental health working closely with a wide range of stakeholders including patients, carers, researchers, NHS, academic institutions, charities, healthcare delivery professionals and commercial organisations.
Euan added: “As #Red4Research underlines, people are vital to making research happen. Members of the public working closely with researchers and healthcare professionals makes for a winning fusion of experience and expertise which is essential to developing new life-saving diagnostics, procedures, and treatments.
“Today marks a day to celebrate all that has been achieved together and for looking to an even stronger healthcare future.”
NRS supports the placement, set-up, and delivery of clinical research studies. As a partnership of Scottish NHS Boards and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government, it ensures NHS Scotland provides the best environment to support research and contributes towards a thriving life sciences sector.
- Register with SHARE to be informed of future research that you could be suitable for
- Search current trials by location or condition on Be Part of Research
- Join a Patient and Public Involvement Group and use your experience as a patient, carer or member of the public to help researchers design and conduct their research studies by participating in these important groups
Follow activity online at #Red4Research, #BePartofResearch and help us support all the amazing people who make research happen across Scotland this #Red4Research day through NRS social channels.
Publication date: 19th June 2026
