Free webinar to explore ‘research participation across the ages’ following national data project
The clinical lead of the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Ageing Specialty Group will be presenting data insights drawn from a national initiative as part of a webinar taking place next month
Professor Terry Quinn is hosting the online session which has been organised by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and brings together a range of speakers to offer their insights and experience.
Entitled ‘UK Research Participation Across the Ages — Data from the Year of Birth Project’, the webinar will take place on Wednesday 17 June, from 4-5pm.
It will present findings from the NIHR ‘Year of Birth’ project — a national initiative collecting birth data from research participants in NIHR portfolio studies.
Terry and a team of regional ageing leads used this information to assess if the ages of people taking part in studies into certain diseases reflected the age range of those affected by them.
It was the NIHR's first national effort to collect demographic data of this nature — now a standard part of reporting.
Professor in Cardiovascular Ageing at the University of Glasgow, Terry said: “With input from Ageing leads and other speakers, including funders of research, this online discussion will have a focus on the inclusion of older adults in health and care research.
“We will also talk about other national initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of older adults, so a diverse discussion is expected, looking partly at under-representation in certain disciplines and study types — an issue which must be tackled.
“As the Year of Birth data has implications for all portfolio studies, the webinar is of relevance to everyone in the UK clinical research community, not just those with an older adult interest.”
He added: “Strong links have been forged as a result of the project, but we believe this webinar will help further strengthen our collaborative approach to improving participation of older adults in research, while encouraging a fresh, progressive approach to sharing information.
“We hope to see as many join as possible — all are welcome in the drive to support the delivery of high-quality clinical research relevant to the care of older people.”
The webinar will coincide with the launch of a paper, describing insights gained from the Year of Birth project.
The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Ageing Specialty Group's role is to support the delivery of high-quality clinical research relevant to the care of older people. It helps to manage participant recruitment to time and target, both for studies which are led from Scotland, and studies led from other nations which Scottish sites are participating in.
Publication date: 19th May 2026
