Prior to 2017, there was no focus for palliative and end of life care research at University of Bristol or across the South West; researchers and clinicians in different disciplines, institutions and settings were isolated, with no forum for networking and support and little collaboration to further larger grant applications.

Recognising the need for a regional hub, Drs Lucy Selman and Lucy Pocock established the Palliative and End of Life Care Research Network South West in January 2017, with the following aims:

• Facilitating cross-institution and interdisciplinary connections, networking and collaboration
• Generating/developing research ideas
• Supporting clinicians and clinical services to become research active
• Providing mentoring and support for junior researchers
• Disseminating current/planned research, increasing impact and relevance 

We hold around 3 meetings each year and anyone with an interest in this area is welcome to attend. To be added to the mailing list for future events, or to express an interest in presenting, please contact peolc@bristol.ac.uk