Annual Conference 2025

We are excited to announce the first joint NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and UK Clinical Research Facility Network conference.

This will be the 20th annual UKCRF Network Conference, in an expanded format which for the first time also includes the national BRCs – with the aim to promote and celebrate impactful cross-infrastructure collaboration.

Whether or not you are affiliated with a BRC, this event is a chance to foster collaboration and strengthen the experimental medicine infrastructure.

Please read below to find out about more about our strong line-up of plenary speakers and parallel learning sessions:

#CRFBRC25

UKCRF Network Conference materials 2025_Social media

Get ready! Conference start in….

Registration and Payment Guide

Conference Programme

Event Theme

Co-create to translate: achieving impact through collaboration

Our theme emphasises the importance of co-creation and collaboration in designing and delivering world-class research that truly matters and is accessible to all patients. We will highlight the integration of BRCs and CRFs, strengthening existing partnerships and facilitating new experimental medicine collaborations and clinical studies.

We will showcase diverse perspectives from researchers, research delivery staff, and members of the public and patient groups, offering topics that are relevant and interesting to all. The conference will inspire innovative thinking and facilitate new avenues in research co-creation.

Why attend the Conference:

The Conference supports clinical research teams across BRCs and CRFs, focusing on complex, early-phase trials and translational research.
National speakers will share insights on current challenges and innovations in clinical research.
Interactive sessions offer practical workshops on trial set-up, leadership development, and optimising research delivery, with dedicated insights for both BRC research specialists and CRF delivery teams.
Poster presentations will highlight transformative projects by BRC and CRF teams.
Dedicated sessions provide strategies for enhancing inclusion and accessibility in research.
Networking opportunities with experts and sponsors will foster valuable collaborations.
Engage with patients and the public to help shape future research directions.

Key Speakers

Dr Gail Marzetti – Director, Science, Research and Evidence at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Deputy CEO of the National Institute for Health and Care Research
Dr Natalie Owen – Head of Infrastructure at Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
Professor Joht Chandan – Clinical Professor of Public Health and Health Inequalities Lead at University of Birmingham
Professor Judith Rankin – Professor of Maternal and Child Health at Newcastle University
Professor Alastair Denniston – Chair of Regulatory Science and Innovation at University of Birmingham

As well as many more from across the clinical research infrastructure.

Parallel Session Topics

We have another dynamic programme of expert-led plenaries and interactive parallel sessions lined up this year.

The topics covered will include:

Enhancing inclusion, access and engagement
Supporting and developing clinical research delivery careers
Exploring innovative approaches to research
Collaborating for greater impact
Strengthening leadership and team development
Gaining practical insights into regulatory requirements, including GCP

With 30 interactive parallel sessions, the programme offers something for everyone, covering a wide range of clinical research topics relevant to all roles across the experimental medicine and clinical research community. It’s a chance to deepen your understanding, explore new ideas and connect with others.

Browse the session titles and learning outcomes here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect and drive progress.

Key Information

Venue

Address: The International Convention Centre (ICC), 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA

Hotels: In order to book your accommodation this year we have arranged a booking platform which searches the best rates, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Platform link: https://hotelmap.com/MKE2Z

Start and Finish TImes

Day 1: 09:30 to 17:00

Gala Dinner: 19:00 to 23:00

Day 2: 09:00 to 15:30

Conference Programme

Please see links to the Conference Programme and Session Speaker and Learning Outcomes documents below:

Gala Dinner

Monday 14 July 2025

19:00 to 23:00

This year’s Gala dinner theme is Birmingham: A World of Cultures in One City.
The gala dinner will include a street food experience, welcome drink, limited drinks with dinner and entertainment.

Event Prices

2-day ticket £370
1 day ticket £190
Gala Dinner £80

VAT is not included in the prices above and will not be added

Payment Information

Card payment is available via a secure payment platform (Stripe) that will request your card details towards the end of the registration process.
To pay by invoice, you can submit your finance details, including a purchase order number or reference.
Supplier name: University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
If you are paying by invoice, please check in advance that they are set up as a supplier on your system.
Please ensure you read the registration and payment guide before registering to ensure you have all information required.

Conference App

We are again, using the EventsCase app during this years’ Conference.

The app will facilitate the following activities during the event:

Entering the conference
Accessing the event programme
Viewing and networking with delegates
Viewing and voting for posters
Booking staff group and summer school sessions

To download the EventsCase app, please use the following links:

Android
iOS

Public Contributors attending the Conference

We are pleased to invite public contributors to join the conference.

Please read our Conference Guide for Public Contributors for more details
We have a limited number of funded places available for public contributors.
Apply for this funding via our website, deadline is Wednesday 4 June, end of the day

Posters

Poster abstract submissions have now closed.

Confirmation emails for conference posters were sent out week commencing 19th May 2025
50 posters have been selected for physical display
All other accepted posters will be displayed virtually via the conference app.
Please can authors read you confirmation emails carefully and follow the guidelines provided.
Confirmation emails went to the main contact of each poster (not every author). If you have not received confirmation, please check with the main author first.
Regardless of selection for physical printing, all poster authors are required to submit a PDF version (or alternative format to be confirmed with the host committee) by email for inclusion within the conference app.