Equitable Health Research Workshop

Background and purpose of the workshop:

The University of Bristol 2030 vision integrates equitable and sustainable health as one of three major strategic pillars. The University is committed to ensuring that ‘everyone, everywhere can reach their full health potential, our projects are pushing the limits of medical innovation, shaping policy and demanding access for all’. This vision drives research that is inclusive, globally relevant, and socially responsible. 

This workshop, organised and hosted by the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, will bring together researchers whose work focuses on biomedical and health-related topics across all University of Bristol Faculties, alongside health practitioners and partners. Participants will explore opportunities and priorities for Bristol-led equitable health research, particularly in areas where there is a pressing need for new knowledge, innovation and action. Building on existing strengths in health research, the workshop will examine unmet needs, shared challenges and potential areas for partnership that could deliver meaningful benefits for patients and communities.

Aims of the workshop:

• Identify opportunities for Bristol-led equitable health research
• Explore shared challenges and barriers to progress
• Understand what support is needed to strengthen equitable health research and accelerate impact
• Share knowledge and examples of good practice
• Facilitate networking and the development of interdisciplinary collaborations for future funding opportunities

Who is it for:

The workshop is open to all staff of the University of Bristol with expertise or interest in health research, health practitioners and external partners.

Examples of areas to be addressed include (but not limited to):

• Climate change and health
• Digital health technologies, computing and engineering innovations for healthcare
• Data science and AI for healthcare
• Intersections between health and social care
• Policy, society and population Health
• Health, wellbeing and social justice
• Health inequalities and the social determinants of health
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular research
• Engineering Biology
• Infectious Diseases & AMR
• Mental Health
• Evidence and service improvements within primary care settings that aim to address health inequalities

To help determine whether this workshop is relevant to you, consider the following questions:

• Do you conduct research related to health or biomedicine?
• Does your work address, or have the potential to address, health inequalities?
• Are you interested in improving access to healthcare innovations for underserved populations?
• Have you identified unmet needs or gaps in healthcare that contribute to unequal outcomes?
• Would you like to help shape policy or practice to improve health equity?
• Are you interested in developing collaborations to tackle health inequalities through research?

If you or your research aligns with any of the above, or other aspects related to equitable and sustainable health, we would love you to join us. 

Format:

The workshop will be held in person and will include a mix of:

• short talks to highlight existing work and priorities
• break-out sessions around key themes
• opportunities for networking and idea development across disciplines

A light lunch will be provided and participation is free. 

To register please complete this online form:

• by midday Thursday 26 November 2026 if you would like to make a short presentation
• by midday Thursday 10 December 2026 if you would like to attend (no presentation)

Further details and the programme will be posted here: watch this space