BRIDGE Research Network: A New Way of Working Together
We’re excited to share the launch of the BRIDGE Research Network – a new, free to access online platform that brings together the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector, academic researchers and health and care professionals across the North West
Too often, research happens to communities rather than with them. BRIDGE (Bridging Research Initiatives for Diverse Grassroots Engagement) is here to change that. It’s a space designed to build fairer, more equal partnerships, where local knowledge and lived experience carry as much weight as academic expertise.
Through BRIDGE, you can:
- Connect with partners – find researchers, VCFSE groups, and healthcare colleagues who share your interests and values.
- Access resources and training – build skills and confidence to get involved in, lead, or collaborate on research.
- Share research opportunities – share calls for partners, participants, or expertise to strengthen your research.
- Showcase your work – share updates, case studies, and opportunities with a growing network.
By working hand in hand, we can make research more inclusive, relevant and impactful – reducing health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing for people and communities across the region.
Sign up today and be part of the BRIDGE community.
BRIDGE is a complementary but separate initiative to the Greater Manchester Research Engagement Network (GM-REN). A link to the BRIDGE Research Network will be provided on the GM REN website, in due course, which can be accessed here.
Join the BRIDGE Launch Event
To celebrate the launch, BRIDGE are hosting an online event to bring people together and showcase what BRIDGE can offer.
Date: Monday 20th October 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
This event is open to VCFSE organisations, researchers, healthcare professionals and anyone with an interest in building more inclusive research partnerships.
What to expect:
- The story of BRIDGE: hear how the network came about and the vision for its future.
- Platform walk throughs: see how to sign up, explore features and start making connections.
- Breakout discussions: share your challenges and ideas on how BRIDGE can best support your work.
- Guest speakers: insights from organisations already working at the heart of community engaged research.
t’s not just about launching a platform – it’s about building a movement for more collaborative and impactful research across the North West.
