It’s Ok to ask

• start asking patients, clients and the people you work with about whether they would like to take part in research
• develop a curiosity to ask questions - every encounter is an opportunity

Have a go

• conduct an audit or quality improvement project
• carry out a literature review (with library and knowledge services if available) to see if your service and practice can be improved
• identify what your learning needs are and whether you can attend relevant training, such as through NIHR Learn

Check out

• review the Your Path in Research campaign materials to find out more about research careers 
• explore opportunities for the public to get involved on Be Part of Research
• speak to your organisation to see if you can help support any studies that are going on 
• visit NIHR Learn and enrol in the Introduction to Research in the Social Care Setting. You will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.

It's Ok to ask

• join a research group and attend seminars
• connect with experts in your field via our Getting Connected page 

Have a go

• undertake formal training courses – such as Good Clinical Practice, Research in the NHS or visit the Learning & Training page. You will need to have an NIHR Learn account to access the course. Information about NIHR Learn, including how to access the platform, can be found in the NIHR Learn Help pages.
• promote the value of research in your department
• join a research group

Check out

• contact your research and development department to see if you can get involved in an active study – there are lots of different roles such as recruiter, rater, sub-investigator, data manager, and delivering an intervention, that could match with your interest and skill set

It’s Ok to ask

• consult advice your professional body has to offer
• get in touch with the Research Design Service to guide you to develop your own research proposal
• contact your local university to find out what training, research and career opportunities are available

Have a go

• consider academic training routes, apply for postgraduate masters or PhD
• join a research group to prepare a funding application
• develop your CV and explore options to present and publish research or literature reviews
• get connected with like-minded colleagues who are active in this area and try and become a Principal Investigator

Check out

• scope funding opportunities
• find a mentor 
• check out vacancies – such as LCRN clinical research practitioners
• explore Academic Training for Public Health and Social Care Professionals - Newcastle Health Innovation Partners
• for public health, get in touch with Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health
• visit the NIHR Social Care Incubator and Public Health Incubator