Innovation and inclusion shine at HPFT’s Research Showcase

20 May 26

We were pleased to welcome colleagues, researchers and partners to our annual Research Showcase on 13 May at the University of Hertfordshire.

The event brought people together from across HPFT and the wider research community to share the latest work shaping care across the Trust. Research covered children and young people, adult mental health, older people’s services and neurodevelopmental care, all with a clear focus on improving quality of life and outcomes.

Lecture room with tiered desks where a presenter stands at the front beside a projected slide, addressing a group of seated attendees using papers and laptops. Lecture room with tiered seating, where two presenters stand at the front beside a projected screen, speaking to a group of seated attendees using laptops, notebooks, and papers.

Highlights included new approaches to cognitive therapy for young people after trauma, work on sleep and wellbeing, and advances in Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics. We were also proud to feature research led by HPFT teams into personalised treatment for adults with learning disabilities.

A standout moment was a performance from The Purple Allstars, who used music and dance to share important messages about health, equality and inclusion for people with learning disabilities and their families and carers.

Group of people in purple sports-style uniforms performing a coordinated routine in a classroom, with seated participants watching; one performer uses a wheelchair.

Throughout the day, colleagues connected, shared ideas and viewed research posters, celebrating the collaboration across our Trust and with our academic partners.

Classroom wall displaying multiple colourful research posters with structured sections containing text, charts and graphs.

The event closed with poster prizes and reflections on the continued growth of research at HPFT and its role in improving care and outcomes for the people we serve.

Lecture room with tiered seating where a presenter stands at the front beside a projected slide reading “Annual Research Showcase 2026,” presenting a certificate to 2 participants in front of an audience of seated attendees

Lecture room with tiered seating where two presenters stand at the front beside a projected slide reading “Annual Research Showcase 2026,” addressing attendees.

Tim Gale, Research Lead at HPFT and Visiting Professor at the University of Hertfordshire, shared:

“Research drives improvement and innovation in our services. At HPFT, we are involved in a number of high‑profile and innovative clinical trials, alongside studies led by our own teams within the Trust.

“It’s great to see colleagues from a wide range of professional backgrounds and at different stages of their careers getting involved in research.”

An attendee shared:

“I really enjoyed listening to the range of topics discussed, from CBT to genetics. The speakers were very knowledgeable and engaging – it was a pleasure to listen to the breadth of research taking place across the Trust.”

To learn more about research at HPFT, please visit our webpage or email hpft.research@nhs.net.

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Innovation and inclusion shine at HPFT’s Research Showcase