Photography exhibition about NHS research comes to Milton Keynes Central Library

A photo exhibition showcasing groundbreaking NHS medical research taking place in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire has moved to Milton Keynes Central Library.

‘The Body Unlocked: How Research is Changing Lives’ features 11 life-sized images of people who have taken part in studies, researchers at work and microscopic images of cells and bacteria.

The exhibition - at the library until 29 July - has been produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to encourage people to take part in studies in the NHS, public health and social care.

Images include surgeons preparing a pioneering gene therapy injection for vision loss, dogs smelling urine to detect cancer, a microscope image of cells responsible for controlling blood sugar and a virtual reality headset to treat mental health conditions.

Research studies are an integral part of improving treatments in the NHS and would not be possible without the involvement of ordinary people.

Professor Manu Vatish, Clinical Director for the NIHR Clinical Research Network Thames Valley and South Midlands, one of the NIHR partners behind the exhibition, said: “Health research is vital for developing new treatments in the NHS. Clinical research can improve the quality of the care that we provide and help us learn more about various conditions.

“However, for any research to progress, we rely on the public to take part. This can include anything from filling out surveys or giving a blood sample to trialling a new medication or treatment.”

Visit thebodyunlocked.info for more information. Venues interested in hosting the exhibition for free can contact comms.crnthamesvalley@nihr.ac.uk.

Participating in health research helps develop new treatments, improve the NHS, public health and social care and save lives.

The NHS, public health and social care supports research by giving patients opportunities to take part in trials. Healthy people can also take part so results can be compared to those with a medical condition.

Patients are also encouraged to ask their doctor or health professional about research opportunities and view trials seeking volunteers at bepartofresearch.uk.