Research takes place across all University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) hospitals, covering a wide range of specialties and age groups. We are committed to ensuring that you are offered the opportunity to take part in research as part of your care, regardless of your protected characteristics.
Types of studies
A wide variety of studies are available. Some involve observational research, such as interviews, questionnaires, or exercise tests, which help us better understand health conditions and your experiences of care. Others are interventional studies, which give you the opportunity to receive treatments as part of carefully designed clinical trials. These may include first-in-human studies, where a new drug, procedure, or treatment is tested in humans for the first time, as well as treatments that have already been tested in other conditions and are being explored further.
Ethically approved
All research is ethically approved and follows strict governance processes to ensure patient safety, wellbeing, and confidentiality are always protected. Every study is carefully reviewed before it begins and is closely monitored throughout.
Partnerships
We also work closely with universities, partner organisations, and other healthcare providers to deliver research in a joined-up way, helping to ensure that you are supported throughout your involvement and guided along the most appropriate care pathway.
Who can get involved
Research is not limited to patients alone. Healthy volunteers also play an important role in improving understanding of conditions, developing treatments, and shaping the future of healthcare.
We also want research to involve people from a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds. Diverse participation helps ensure findings are applicable to the entire population, reducing health inequalities and improving treatment effectiveness across different ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
We currently have active studies across a wide range of specialties. You can explore the full list below, and if you would like to know more about trials in these areas, please speak to your care team.
Specialities
Allergy and Immunology
Conditions caused by the immune system, including allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Bariatric
Weight-loss surgery and specialist treatment for obesity.
Burns
Treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery from burn injuries.
Cardiology
Diagnosis, treatment, and research relating to heart conditions.
COVID-19
Coronavirus-related research, treatment, and patient care.
Critical Care/Anaesthetics
Intensive care services and anaesthesia provided during surgical procedures.
Dermatology
Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and diseases.
Diabetes
Treatment, management, and research relating to diabetes.
Ear, Nose and Throat
Care for hearing, sinus, throat, and related conditions.
Elderly Medicine
Healthcare services focused on the needs of older adults.
Emergency Care
Urgent treatment for serious or life-threatening conditions.
Endocrinology
Management of hormone-related conditions, including thyroid and adrenal disorders.
Gastroenterology
Conditions affecting the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and bowel.
Haematology
Blood disorders and blood cancers, including leukaemia.
Infectious Diseases
Illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Genetic conditions that affect how the body processes food and energy.
Liver
Treatment and research relating to liver disease and transplantation.
Lipids
Conditions relating to cholesterol and other blood fats.
Microbiology
Study and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Midwifery
Care and support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
Neurology
Conditions affecting the brain and nervous system, including epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
Oncology
Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Ophthalmology
Eye conditions, vision care, and ophthalmic treatments.
Orthopaedic (Trauma or Elective)
Bone, joint, and muscle conditions, including injuries and planned surgical procedures.
Paediatrics
Healthcare services and research focused on children's health.
Pain
Assessment and management of chronic and severe pain conditions.
Renal
Kidney conditions, dialysis services, and renal research.
Respiratory
Lung and breathing conditions, including asthma and COPD.
Rheumatology
Joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions such as arthritis.
Sexual Health
Services relating to sexually transmitted infections, contraception, and reproductive health.
Skin Lymphoma
Diagnosis and treatment of rare cancers affecting the skin's lymph cells.
Stroke
Treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery following stroke.
Surgery
General surgical procedures and perioperative care.
Therapies
Rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
Thoracic
Conditions affecting the chest, lungs, and oesophagus.
Vascular
Blood vessel conditions such as aneurysms, circulation problems, and blocked arteries.
Last reviewed: 29 September 2026