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Research and Innovation Showcase 2026

The inaugural Central England Health Partners (CEHP) Research and Innovation Showcase eventLink opens in a new window brought together more than 100 delegates and 29 speakers, creating a platform to share ideas, showcase research and strengthen collaboration to address regional healthcare challenges.

Held at The Slate Conference Centre, University of Warwick, the event brought together expertise from across health, research and education through presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions and exhibition stands. The programme explored key themes including health inequalities, research culture and delivery, and the role of collaboration in accelerating innovation and improving health outcomes.

Sharing expertise and shaping the future of regional healthcare

The showcase opened with a welcome from Professor Caroline Meyer, Provost of the University of Warwick, followed by an introduction from Professor Gavin Perkins, Clinical Director of CEHP and Dean of Warwick Medical School. Russell Hardy, Regional Chair for the Midlands at NHS England, then delivered a presentation examining the health of the region, our strengths and challenges.

A keynote address from Baron Professor Swaran Singh, Professor of Social and Community Psychiatry at the University of Warwick, explored how collaboration can transform mental health care. His thought-provoking talk complemented wider discussions on how research, innovation and partnership working can respond to the needs of international, national, and local communities.

Across the programme, speakers and panel sessions highlighted the breadth of research and innovation taking place across the region. Presentations showcased initiatives including the Coventry University project STRATIFYHF in heart failure, the Tissue Image Analytics Centre and its commercial partner, Histofy Ltd, and the iCAhRE clinical academic research pathway at UHCW, which supports NHS healthcare professionals in developing their research careers.

Together, these examples demonstrated the range of opportunities to connect research expertise, clinical practice and innovation to address real-world healthcare needs.

Building stronger partnerships for better health

Charlotte Kershaw, CEHP Head of Programmes, said:

"CEHP belongs to its members and to the population we serve, and the Showcase was an important first step in bringing our health and research community together. By sharing expertise, connecting people and creating opportunities to work across organisational boundaries, we can build partnerships that turn promising ideas into practical solutions. In pooling our strengths our ambition is to make a meaningful difference to patients, health services and the wider region.”

About Central England Health Partners

Established in 2025, Central England Health Partners brings together the University of Warwick, Coventry University, NHS trusts, NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, and Health Innovation West Midlands.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration across research, innovation, education and healthcare, while supporting inclusive social and economic growth throughout the region.

Funding Acknowledgement: The event was part-funded by the University of Warwick Enhancing Research Culture Fund (Research England).