05 Mar 25
HPFT recently hosted its annual Research Showcase at the University of Hertfordshire, bringing together staff from across the Trust, the University and partner organisations to learn about the latest advancements in mental health and neurodevelopmental research.
A large group of people sitting at tables in a room, watching a presenter at the front of the room
As a Trust, providing the best possible care is so important.
Clinical research is an important part of how we do that at HPFT as we gain new insights, we grow our understanding of the conditions and issues faced by those who use our services, and we are able to then provide service users with the latest and best care available.
A person giving a presentation to a group of people
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in interactive Q&A sessions and discussions from a wide range of speakers, including trainees, doctors, nurses and psychiatrists from across the Trust.
Naomi Fineberg, a Consultant Psychiatrist at HPFT and Professor of Psychiatry at the University opened the day, sharing her enthusiasm to hear about the young talent sharing their research on issues surrounding conditions including psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, dementia and autism.
A person standing in front of a screen, presenting in front of a group of people
Research shared on the day included a study investigating problematic use of the internet among people with psychiatric disorders; research on hypothyroidism in people with learning disabilities; and the findings from a clinical trial offering internet therapy for families and carers of people with dementia.
The day also featured a performance from The Purple All Stars, a Hertfordshire-based group of young adults with learning disabilities, who performed songs and dances to raise awareness about issues surrounding mental health and learning disabilities.
A group of young people who are dressed in purple and dancing
Professor Tim Gale, Research Lead, shared:
"We've held a number of showcases now, and they are growing bigger and bigger every year and getting a wider audience.
"We're encouraging staff to publish work they have done, and that's reflected in the programme. We've seen different presentations from a wide range of staff from lots of different professional backgrounds which has been great."
To learn more about research at HPFT, please visit our web page.