SHOPPERS learned about medical research with an event at Templars Square Shopping Centre, Cowley, Oxford to mark International Clinical Trials Day.
They spoke to patients, their relatives and NHS staff about how they can get involved in ground-breaking research for conditions like dementia and diabetes on Wednesday May 20.
Alison Nicolson was on hand to talk about how husband Norman, who has dementia, has taken part in studies such as MRI scans, eye tests and analysis of his handwriting over his lifetime.
Bernard Gudgin spoke about his participation in diabetes trials and visitors took part in a mock trial by trying two pieces of cake and deciding which makes them feel the most full.
Visitors to the information stand also learned about subjects studied in Oxfordshire with funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The national body was established by the Government in 2006 to fund research that can improve NHS care.
At the stand were representatives from the NIHR Clinical Research Network: Thames Valley and South Midlands and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, both hosted by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The event also supported the NIHR’s OK to Ask campaign that encourages the public to get involved in clinical research.
Research covered by the NIHR includes subjects such as dementia, cancer, diabetes and genetics.
For information about the latest clinical trials in Thames Valley visit Patients Active in Research Thames Valley.