New figures show that more than 2,000 people on the Isle of Wight took part in health and care research over the past year, contributing to studies aimed at improving treatments and shaping the future of the NHS.
The new figures, released by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), reveal that 2,068 participants were recruited into research studies across the Isle of Wight during the 12 months from 1st April 2025.
Participants took part in research both in hospital settings and within the community, including GP surgeries, supporting the Government’s ambition to deliver more healthcare closer to home.
Among the studies taking place on the Isle of Wight were research into newborn genetic screening for around 200 rare conditions, a survey exploring the health and wellbeing of people living with cancer, and a trial aimed at detecting early signs of oesophageal cancer in people with long-term heartburn.
As well as research into whether informing asthma patients about the carbon footprint of different inhalers influences their treatment choices.
Alex Merryweather, Head of Research Operations at Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, has said:
“It is fantastic to see so many people across the Isle of Wight choosing to take part in health and care research. Every participant plays an important role in helping us develop new treatments, improve services and build the evidence that shapes future patient care.
“I would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time, as well as the dedicated research teams who support and deliver these studies.”
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Across England, almost 879,000 volunteers participated in 4,536 NIHR-supported studies during the same period, bringing the total number of research participants since April 2020 to more than 7.4 million.
Professor Saul Faust, Health and Care Director at NIHR South Central Regional Research Delivery Network, has said:
“We are incredibly proud of the people on the Isle of Wight who have stepped up to be part of the solution to some of our biggest health challenges.
“It’s great to know that the Isle of Wight’s participants are part of a massive movement to unlock better treatments for cancer, stroke and many other diseases right here on our doorstep.”
Islanders are now being encouraged to join the more than 2,300 Isle of Wight residents already registered with the NIHR’s Be Part of Research service, which allows people aged 18 and over to search for research studies and receive notifications about projects relevant to their interests or health conditions.
Research studies range from clinical trials in hospitals to community-based surveys and home participation, with healthy volunteers also encouraged to take part to help researchers compare results and improve understanding of different conditions.
