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The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield BioResource Centre has recruited its 100th participant into a research project aimed at addressing health conditions that disproportionately affect Black communities in the UK.
The NIHR Sheffield BioResource Centre is hosted by the NIHR Sheffield Clinical Research Facility with dedicated management provided by the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre. Our goal is to improve long-term prevention and treatment of disease. The national NIHR BioResource is a panel of over 340,000 volunteers with and without health conditions, who have provided genetic and lifestyle information that will contribute to research studies.
Since launching just over two years ago, the NIHR Sheffield BioResource Centre has opened several successful programmes to support recruitment of members of our community into NIHR BioResource projects, including the pioneering Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) project. IBHO is a research initiative dedicated to studying health conditions affecting people from Black communities.
By supporting this national effort, the NIHR Sheffield BioResource also hopes to improve knowledge and understanding of health conditions and their impacts on all UK communities.
Other projects the NIHR Sheffield BioResource has been supporting include DNA, Children + Young People’s Health Resource (D-CYPHR), a programme helping researchers better understand the genetics of childhood diseases. This programme has been delivered in Sheffield in collaboration with the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Clinical Research Facility (Research - Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust).
IBHO is dedicated to involving patients and the public in research and tackling health inequalities. NIHR Sheffield BioResource staff strive to make Sheffield-based research inclusive by engaging with communities, collaborating with charities and organisations, attending events, hosting recruitment days, and providing accessible information. Regular updates are shared to keep opportunities visible and open. These efforts support the NIHR’s commitment to inclusive, participatory research that reflects its communities.
Vytautas Amponsem, Staff Nurse and Clinical Secretary of the Race Equality and Inclusion Network, said he joined the IBHO study because he has seen “both personally and professionally” how of a lack of research and robust data can mean that Black and ethnic minority communities do not always get offered the care that meets their needs.
“For decades, people from Black and mixed heritage backgrounds, as well as those living with conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, have been underrepresented in health research. This absence of evidence has a very real impact: it influences the treatments we receive, the policies that are made, and the resources allocated to our care.
“The IBHO programme offers a significant opportunity to change this. By taking part, we can help ensure that our lived experiences, our health realities, and our genetic diversity inform future healthcare. Participation is quick, safe, and straightforward, but the benefits could be lasting and profound. The more of us who take part, the stronger, the evidence will be to push for fairer, more effective, and culturally relevant healthcare.”
Ruth Yedu, Clinical Trials Assistant, NIHR Sheffield BioResource Centre, said:
“I feel incredibly proud that we have welcomed our 100th participant into the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) study. This milestone is not only a reflection of the hard work behind the scenes but, more importantly, of the generosity of those who have chosen to take part.
“Being involved in IBHO has been deeply rewarding, as it focuses on addressing health inequalities and ensures that healthcare research reflects and meets the needs of Black communities. Every participant who volunteers is making a real difference – helping to create knowledge that will shape more inclusive healthcare and lead to better outcomes for future generations.
“I want to thank each participant for their contribution; without them, this important work would not be possible. If you are considering joining, I encourage you to take part – together we can continue to drive meaningful change.”
Amarachukwu Chike-Onyeche, Clinical Trials Assistant, NIHR Sheffield BioResource Centre, said:
“I’m so proud we have reached the incredible milestone of recruiting our 100th participant to the Improving Black Health Care Outcomes (IBHO) study. This achievement represents far more than just a number, it reflects months of dedication, teamwork, and belief in the importance of this work.
The Improving Black Health Outcomes study represents a significant and a much-needed contribution to addressing systemic health inequalities experienced by Black communities. This study will provide valuable insights into reducing these health inequalities and support the development of medical interventions designed to promote better health outcomes.
Personally, being part of this journey fills me with both pride and optimism. It’s a reminder of why inclusivity in research matters; because behind every statistic is a person, a story, and the potential for real, lasting change.”
This milestone would not have been possible without the support of partner organisations and volunteers, whose collaboration has been vital in helping reach communities and grow the IBHO study. With their continued support, the NIHR Sheffield BioResource Centre looks forward to reaching even more people and further strengthening the impact of this important work.
If you are interested in joining the NIHR BioResource IBHO or D-CYPHR programmes, please email the study team at sth.sheffieldbioresource@nhs.net or follow the relevant link IBHO - Register Your Interest / D-CYPHR - Expression of Interest.
The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.
NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies.
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