The recent Research Inclusion in Action event, organised by the BRC’s Inclusion and PPI teams as part of the Half Time Celebrations brought research off the page and into real life through posters, conversations, and visual storytelling.
The workshop created space for researchers to connect with teams from the University of Leicester’s Research and Enterprise Division (RED), Research Support Services (RSS), and the Leicester BRC’s Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team.
The goal was to explore how inclusion is embedded in research practice from who’s involved, to how findings are shared.
Jonathan Ince from the Cardiovascular theme said: “We’re just at the start of a project and thinking about our approach to inclusive practice so it’s been really valuable to see and hear what everyone else is doing and how they’re doing it. It’s been to network, to chat and learn from others.”
Across the space, posters showcased real examples of inclusive research in action, sparking conversations around equity, community engagement, and better representation in health studies.
Riddhi Sheboy from the Data theme added: “It’s been really interesting hearing about other researchers’ approaches and also hearing about the support available to help us to be as inclusive as possible.”
A standout feature of the event was the live illustration station led by Vishal Joshi, a Leicester-based artist known for turning complex ideas into compelling visuals. Twelve researchers who had submitted short summaries of their projects were invited to speak with him one-to-one. Based on those conversations and preliminary information, Vishal will create visual interpretations of their work, capturing the essence of inclusive research through imagery.
For attendees, the event offered the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and reflect on what inclusive research truly looks like both in theory and in practice.
“The event has gone really well. There have been lots of really good conversations – everyone’s been sharing their experiences and being open to new inclusive practices.” mentioned Emma Beeston.
The BRC would like to thank all contributors, including the researchers who shared their projects, and the teams from RED, RSS and PPI who supported the day.