Published: 23 January 2025

This week, we held the first ever AMRC Medical Research Charity Showcase, which took place in the House of Commons. It bought together over 75 senior representatives from across our membership with 21 MPs and Peers.

Our speakers included Baroness Merron, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care; Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee; and George Freeman MP, former Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology. In particular, they noted how important charities are in representing patient priorities, driving innovation and funding research that makes a difference to people’s lives.

Photo montage of Baroness Merron, George Freeman MP and Chi Onwurah MP speaking at our Medical Research Charity Showcase

The speakers also championed the essential partnership between medical research charities and government, something which was reflected in the conversations that took place between charity representatives and parliamentarians throughout the event. 

Our showcase featured five interactive examples from our member charities that helped MPs and peers to get ‘hands-on’ with charity-funded research and gain a patient perspective.  

Photo montage of the interactive examples, including Retina UK's glasses that show what loss of peripheral vision is like, Scar Free Foundation's 3D printer and Heart Research UK/Leeds Hospitals Charity's VR headset

Attendees also had plenty of time for discussion with other charities and parliamentarians, as well as the opportunity to take photos with our pledge placards. 

Thank you to everyone who came along – we hope you found the event as valuable as we did.