On 11 September 2025, Manchester hosted the first North West 'Developing Pharmacy Research and Genomics' workshop.
The event was jointly organised by Gareth Malson (Training Programme Director – Advanced Pharmacist Practice), Jess Keen (Pharmacy Lead, NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance), and Dr Richard Keers (Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester, School of Pharmacy).
Funding was provided by the NW Genomic Medicine Service Alliance and the Pharmacy Incubator Programme.
Within the programme, Jess provided an update on the growing integration of genomics into everyday practice and how research is central to this development.
Speakers from Liverpool John Moores University shared how their School of Pharmacy collaborates with NHS organisations to support student pharmacists undertaking practice-based undergraduate research projects.
Several pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also spoke about their personal experiences of getting involved in research, generating lively debate on how others can take similar pathways into research activity.
In the afternoon, Dr Richard Keers led a hands-on session where participants developed their own research questions and identified key stakeholders to engage with.
The workshop attracted strong attendance from across the region, with all attendees being asked to contribute to a survey which will be used to shape the developmnt of a local Pharmacy Research Advisory Group, and identify the types of support needed for those looking to become more research active.
Building on from this inaugural meeting, the team looks forward to seeing how pharmacy professionals across all sectors in the North West continue to embed research into practice—particularly during this challenging period for healthcare services.