COVID-19 research

Information for patients and the public

A remarkable national public effort

Over a million people have now participated in COVID-19 research across the UK. NIHR data shows that a total of 1,075,000 participants have taken part in COVID-19 research, across more than 180 studies. Of these, more than 100 studies were funded by the NIHR, amounting to more than £108 million given to dedicated COVID-19 research.

For the latest news on the NIHRs response to the challenge of COVID-19, visit the NIHR COVID-19 webpage or see a list of COVID-19 studies on this site.

Public participation in COVID-19 research is still vital to enable effective treatments to be identified, evidenced and made available to NHS patients.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of people have signed up to the NHS Vaccine Research Registry - this means they can be contacted by researchers to take part in vaccine studies. These continue to be really important, as we strive to find the vaccines that work best for different groups of people. 

As this is a rapidly moving area, we regularly update the news and Q&As about vaccine research for those interested in taking part.

Lady in street with a face mask on

More about COVID-19

COVID-19 or Corona Virus Disease 2019 is the illness caused by coronavirus that can affect the lungs and airways. The UKRI website explains the facts about the virus, disease and the epidemic. 

To keep updated with the latest information, visit the UK Government website.  You might also find it useful to read the latest Government information about NHS Test and Trace in England. There is separate guidance for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

COVID and Me

This collection of short videos have been produced to build public awareness and trust in vaccination research and the importance of being vaccinated, so that as many people can engage with vaccine research as possible. Each story is based on real patient experiences and conversations.  Watch the trailer below.

To illustrate how people from different communities have been affected by the pandemic and to underline the importance of COVID-19 research, we have created seven short films to tell stories based on real patient experiences and conversations.  

Before you go

  1. Information if you are hospitalised with COVID-19
  2. Vaccine studies
  3. PRINCIPLE study for people over 55
  4. Canine detection study
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