Research Volunteers

Engage and inspire local communities about clinical research.

Our Mobile Research Unit is new; it’s literally a research laboratory and clinic on wheels. Everything we can do in our research facilities at NUH will happen on the go, closer than ever to our patients.

We’ll be launching it this summer and we’ll be taking to the roads to bring our research closer than ever before to local communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

To make the experience of taking part in research right on your doorstep even better, we are looking for people who are enthusiastic about helping people to get the most out of taking part in our research. 

This is a brand new role and you’ll have the opportunity to make it your own. Some of the things you will be helping with will include:

• Talking to people about our research and how they can find out more

• Supporting the onboard research teams so that taking part in research is a smooth, efficient and positive experience for everyone

• Helping people to give their feedback on their experience of the Mobile Research Unit

What benefits do I get?

In return for the hours you put in helping on our Mobile Research Unit, you will:

• be part of the clinical research team of nurses, doctors, scientists and research professionals carrying out world-leading research in Nottingham

• receive a range of training and induction to our hospitals, to our research department and be part of our volunteer community at NUH

• be kitted out with a dedicated uniform which will include clothing for indoor and outdoor working

• a meal allowance for each shift you complete and travelling expenses to get to and from each location.

• have the opportunity to learn more about research, how it works and how it helps people and patients.

We’re living in a virtual world, so you can also support our research virtually.

You can sign up to be kept informed about our research. If you do, you’ll be the first to know when our researchers need your input to help them develop new research, to tell them about your experiences of living with a disease or condition – or what it means to you to be healthy – and help to shape the research we do in Nottingham.

We also organise a programme of online events, where you can virtually meet our researchers and  discuss any apects of their work in developing new trials or learing about the results of the research they carry out.

Join a discussion about research

We run a programme of regular online Research Lounge conversations where you get to talk to our research teams and discuss:

• new research
• the results of our research and the changes they may bring to NHS care.

We also hold virtual focus groups, advisory sessions and workshops where you can help to shape the research we do.

What does a Research Volunteer do?

They work alongside our research teams to help the people who take part in research trials to have the best possible experience. Duties can include a whole range of things from meeting and greeting, checking people have all the necessary paperwork with them, getting feedback on their experience or just being someone to talk to. Everyday is different.

Do I need to know a lot about research?

No. You don’t need any experience or knowledge about research. We’ll introduce you to what we do and how research works. From then you’ll always be working with an experience research team or member of Research & Innovation staff who can tell you what you need to know. You’ll find you’ll pick up a lot of information as you go. It certainly helps if you’re interested in science, research or you have an interest in a particular disease or condition. But most of all research is about people.

Can I volunteer with a friend?

Yes, just tell us when you complete your application and registration as a volunteer and we’ll make sure you can work together. But if you are volunteering to meet other people, you’ll find Research Volunteering brings you into contact with a wide range of staff, patients and visitors across our hospitals, so you’ll soon feel part of the team.

I’m a student, can I volunteer?

Yes – as long as you are over 18 years old, you can apply to be a Research Volunteer. Our Research Volunteer roles are flexible and some are seasonal, so you can fit your volunteer hours around your study and other commitments.

This role includes supporting our Clinical Research Teams based at NUH to:

• Raise awareness amongst patients, carers and visitors to our hospitals
• Meet and greet people taking part in research trials at our hospitals

We also have opportunities for volunteers to work with and advise researchers about all aspects of the clinical research we carry out here.

For more information

For more information visit our research pages on this website or contact our Patient and Public Involvement team in our Research & Innovation department.

Email us on: Getinvolved@nuh.nhs.uk