On 10th September 2024, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARCNWC) hosted a pivotal ARCFEST event, focused on advancing regional health research, enhancing local care systems, and preparing for the future.

The meeting successfully brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, fostering meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to address health inequalities and plan for ARC 2.

Professor Mark Gabbay, Director of ARC NWC, set a positive tone for the day with his welcoming address. The event then progressed through a series of detailed updates on ARC NWC themes, offering insights from collaborative projects and connections with key local organisations. The day included engaging open forums that allowed for dynamic discussions.

The days presentations ran parallel with ARC member organisations attending the Methodological Innovation, Development, Adaptation & Support Theme’s (MIDAS) Rapid Conversions of Evidence Summaries (RaCES) and the Rapid Conversion of Economic Evaluations (RaCEEs) workshops.

Dr. Clarissa Giebel provided valuable insights into ongoing research, focusing on the importance of dementia research internships. Attendees also took part in a session that outlined research priorities for improving system and care pathways.

Professor Gabbay emphasised the significance of these discussions, particularly in relation to the future of ARC NWC. “Our focus on ARC 2 represents a crucial step forward in our mission to enhance local health and care services,” he stated. “By encouraging collaboration and addressing the evolving needs of our health and care systems, we are paving the way for meaningful improvements that will benefit our communities.”

The event also featured a comprehensive Health and Care Across the Lifecourse (HaCAL) theme meeting, which provided an in-depth overview of current subthemes and research networks. This session covered a range of topics, including adolescent health, working-age populations, and marginalised groups. Updates from the Research Development Networks highlighted areas such as social prescribing, community mental health, and regional inequalities.

Key highlights included updates on the older adult subtheme from the DEMCOMM fellows and a focused session on maternity research, presented by Ms. Dorcas Akeju OBE, Professor Sue Downe, and Professor Shakila Thangaratinam. Attendees engaged in table work to prepare for the ARC 2 bid, reflecting on HaCAL’s achievements, future challenges, and the potential structure for ARC 2.

Professor Gabbay concluded, “Today has been a key moment to advance our research agenda. By fostering collaboration and addressing evolving needs, we aim to enhance local health and care services.”

If you are a member organisation and were unable to join us at ARCFEST on the day you can still contribute to the ARC 2 consultation process here.

If you are a public advisor and would like to have your say about ARC 2 please contribute online here.

For more details about ARC NWC’s projects and future initiatives, please contact arcnwc@liverpool.ac.uk.