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Making research better

BRAG members are community leaders from Greater Manchester, representing communities with experience of racial inequalities.

  • tick--iconRacially minoritised groups have historically been excluded by, and unethically treated in, health research.
  • tick--iconBRAG addresses this by working strategically, advising on inclusive approaches, providing training, and influencing governance and senior research leaders.
  • tick--iconMembers also raise awareness of research within their communities.
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Improve your research with BRAG

Working with the BAME Research Advisory Group

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Working with BRAG

The Group exerts strategic influence towards race equity, inclusion and effective community engagement in health research in Greater Manchester.

BRAG is facilitated by Vocal and supports researchers working within the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, the Clinical Research Facility and other organisations. The group’s priorities are supporting development of research about cancer, respiratory conditions, dermatology, and musculoskeletal conditions. The group also has a strong interest in research about mental health and dementia.

BRAGs priorities include

  • Working in partnership to embed racial equity in research and research involvement
  • Advising on inclusive practice across all elements of research
  • Supporting community engagement in research

BRAG was established in 2019, building on the Community Sandpit a two day event developed and delivered by Vocal in partnership with the Greater Manchester Black and Minority Ethnic Network.

BRAG’s focus is health research in Greater Manchester. If you would like to find out how to work with BRAG, get in touch using the ‘Contact us’ button below. Please also BRAG’s Top Tips for researchers.

Meet the team
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Annie Keane

Deputy Director

I lead our work that brings people, patients and researchers together with communities, partners and artists to reach new audiences with health research.

Project partners
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NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility

The NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) comprises four dedicated experimental medicine research units at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) and Wythenshawe Hospital.

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NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre

The NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre connects world-leading researchers based at The University of Manchester and three NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester, with a vision to drive health improvements and lasting change for all.

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Top tips for researchers

BAME Research Advisory Group members outline what they expect from researchers who are attending BRAG meetings for advice

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Community Sandpit: Innovating health research

A new approach to building relationships between community organisations and health research.

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