Panel discussion: The future of social care research | Facilitated by Nuno Santos Lopes

What does the future hold for social care research in the UK? In this dynamic panel discussion at the Social Care Research Conference celebrating the NIHR's 20th anniversary, experts from across the sector explore the practicalities and priorities shaping the years ahead. The panel was facilitated by Nuno Santos Lopes (NIHR South London RRDN Social Care Research Lead and Residential Settings Lead) and features Sandra Prew (NIHR RDN National Settings Lead for Residential Care), Professor Geraldine Macdonald (NIHR National Social Care Lead), Dr Zena Aldridge (NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Office Associate Director for Social Care) and Dr Mark Wilberforce (NIHR Research Support Service Specialist Centre for Social Care). Together, they tackle the most urgent questions facing the sector today. Why is social care research distinctly different from health research? How can we better involve people with lived experience in co-production? The panel also breaks down the barriers frontline staff face when applying for funding, discusses how to translate findings into policy, and shares their vision for making research an everyday part of social care practice. 00:00 - Introduction to the expert panel 00:35 - Top priorities for future social care research funding 02:47 - Why social care research is not just health research 06:09 - Co-production and involving people with lived experience 13:47 - The challenges frontline staff face when applying for funding 17:27 - Navigating the complex language and processes of research 22:30 - Translating good research into real world policy and practice 27:21 - What does success look like for the sector in five years? 32:32 - Is it right for social care to be classed as just one specialism? 33:43 - Q&A: Intergenerational integration in care homes 38:09 - Q&A: Expanding research in under evidenced areas like safeguarding 40:49 - Q&A: What does good look like for the Research Delivery Network? 44:44 - Q&A: Raising the profile of successful social care research #SocialCare #SocialCareResearch #NIHR20 #ResearchDelivery #CareWorkforce #HealthPolicy #PublicInvolvement #AdultSocialCare #CoProduction 📺 Watch more in our Social Care Research Conference playlist:    • Social Care Research Conference 2026