More than 3,000 in Bucks took part in scientific research last year

New data shows more than 3,100 participants took part in health and care research in Buckinghamshire in 2025.

The National Institute for Health and Research (NIHR) has revealed that over 3,000 Bucks residents took part in hospitals and in the community, including GP surgeries, schools and care homes. 

Volunteers contributed to vital NIHR-supported research in Buckinghamshire, including:

• a study into whether screening a newborn's genetic sequence helps find and treat about 200 rare conditions early

• an online survey tracking the health and wellbeing of people living with cancer to discover what community support they need most

• a UK study evaluating whether a new digital imaging device is more accurate than traditional handheld light tests for screening cataracts in newborns, aiming to prevent avoidable lifelong childhood blindness

The NIHR say participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS, public health and social care and save lives. They emphasise that studies take place in hospitals, the community and the home and can even include answering a questionnaire about a health condition. 

Buckinghamshire research leaders welcomed the number of local people who took part in research: 

Nicola Bowers, Director of Research and Innovation at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "Behind every person who takes part in a research study is a desire to help make things better for others. We are incredibly grateful to the patients and families across Buckinghamshire who have chosen to participate in research this year. Their contribution is helping to advance our understanding of disease, improve treatments and create hope for future generations. Every participant plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare, and their willingness to be part of research is making a real difference to lives both locally and beyond."

Martin Batty, Head of R&D at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which provides physical, mental health and social care in Buckinghamshire, said: "Research participation is essential to improving health and care outcomes for future generations. We are grateful to everyone across Buckinghamshire who has taken part in research this year, enabling advances across a wide range of mental and brain health conditions. At Oxford Health, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for people to participate in research across our services and NIHR-supported infrastructure, working with partners and communities to ensure more people can help shape the future of healthcare."

Dr Nick Thomas, Health and Care Director at NIHR South Central Regional Research Delivery Network, which supports health and care organisations to deliver research, said: "We are incredibly proud of the people in Buckinghamshire who have stepped up to be part of the solution to some of our biggest health challenges. It's great to know that Buckinghamshire's participants are part of a massive movement to unlock better treatments for cancer, stroke and many other diseases right here on our doorstep."

As part of their announcement, the NIHR are also encouraging us to join more than 9,800 others in the county who have signed up to be notified about studies they could take part in at the Be Part of Research website.

The Be Part of Research website allows people aged 18 and over to search for studies and sign up to be contacted about trials into conditions that interest them, for example diabetes and stroke. More than 720,000 UK people have signed up and you can click here (external link) to find out more.