The NIHR has traditionally concentrated on working with specific communities, patient groups, or those in particular geographical areas. However, there has been a recognition that faith-based groups represent an important yet often overlooked demographic in health and social care research. Where faith communities have been involved in research, their participation has been limited.  

This project emerges from the NIHR’s aim to address this gap and ensure that their work is truly inclusive of faith groups' needs and the diverse communities they support. The importance of this initiative became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when faith leaders played crucial roles in supporting health organisations and encouraging vaccine uptake among their communities. 

By expanding their engagement to include faith-based groups, the NIHR aims to make their research more comprehensive and representative of the diverse communities they serve. This approach is expected to lead to more effective and inclusive health research that better addresses the needs of all members of society. 

To ensure this project truly represents the interests of faith communities, the NIHR has formed a development committee that includes both NIHR representatives and members from various faith groups. This collaborative approach highlights their commitment to meaningful engagement and representation in health and social care research. 

The project has several on-going activities that are aimed at identifying barriers, building trust, understanding health beliefs, establishing partnership opportunities, and navigating through ethical considerations in health research for faith communities. The project focuses on these main activities: 

• Interviews and conversations with faith leaders and community representatives 
• Workshops (both online and in-person) to be hosted or attended by participants 
•  Development of a database of contacts reflecting diverse UK faith communities 
• Regular updates provided via website, email updates, Centre for Research Equity website in newsletter format, and quarterly or bi-annual open online sessions 

• Establish a sustained network for faith groups to influence research priorities and share best practices 

• Inform NIHR’s decision making, resource allocation, and organisational approach to better reflect the needs of faith communities  

• Encourage funders, like the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), to engage with faith communities in setting research priorities 

• Co-present findings and recommendations to commissioners, policy makers, and develop publications to influence the wider research community 

• Create a more inclusive approach to health and social care research that considers the perspectives of diverse faith communities