Events

NIHR Research Methods Seminars

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01/05/2026

The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Research Methods Academy is pleased to announce the launch of its second seminar series on research methods. The series will build on the success of the inaugural programme in 2025.

These sessions are designed to respond to evolving methodological research needs across disciplines and ensure the best approaches are adopted in new research.

What’s new for 2026?

This year’s programme will feature a range of topics – including co-design and “natural experiments” – delivered by expert speakers from the NIHR RSS Specialist Centres for Public Health and Social Care.

Sessions will offer methodological insight, practical guidance and real-world examples that are relevant to both individual researchers and the wider research community.

A key theme for 2026 is target trial emulation. In response to the Health Technology Assessment call for studies on target trials, several seminars in this year’s programme will focus on this area. This is an increasingly important approach for improving the quality, transparency and interpretability of observational research.

The 2026 series also includes international collaboration. One of the speakers will be Dr Michael Harhay from the University of Pennsylvania, who will deliver an introductory seminar on Bayesian statistics.

Dr Rachel Phillips, Head of Clinical Trial Statistics and co-head of the statistics section at Imperial Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU), School of Public Health, said:

“The Research Methods Academy is excited to launch this second seminar series that aligns with the NIHR’s ambition for researchers to embrace novel, innovative designs.”

Who can sign up?

The series is open to all researchers interested in strengthening their understanding of research methods. It will be particularly valuable for those researchers preparing funding applications, aspiring chief investigators, and anyone interested in methodological innovation and best practice.

Researchers are encouraged to sign up early, and share this opportunity with colleagues. Each seminar will provide valuable insights and guidance that can be applied directly to study design and funding applications.