On 24 September 2025, the Bradford Institute for Health Research officially launched its latest initiative to support community health research — the Mobile Research Vehicle, known as MRVin. The launch event, held at Bradford Royal Infirmary, brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community partners to mark an important step forward in making research more accessible to all.

What is MRVin?

MRVin is a mobile research vehicle designed to bring clinical research directly to communities across Bradford and West Yorkshire. By travelling to local areas, MRVin aims to make it easier for people to take part in studies, access health information, and contribute to shaping future healthcare — all within familiar settings.

The vehicle includes a flexible clinic space, equipment and fixtures for taking research onto the road, and is also powered by electricity and solar energy. MRVin will be able to visit a wide range of locations, including GP surgeries, community events, festivals, sports centres, places of worship, shopping centres, and supermarkets – helping reduce barriers to participation in health research.

Launch Highlights

The event welcomed over 90 attendees and featured contributions from key figures in the region’s research community. Professor John Wright opened the day with a warm welcome, stating:

“We want to involve everybody in Bradford. Bradford is the City of Research, with 60,000 people currently participating in studies — but there are 600,000 residents we can still reach. MRVin allows us to take research directly to communities and strengthen participation in studies, which are the lifeblood of the NHS.”

Professor Dinesh Saralaya, Director of the NIHR Bradford and West Yorkshire Clinical Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), added:

“We will be the first NIHR CRDC in the UK to use a mobile research vehicle to bring clinical trials directly to patients’ doors in West Yorkshire. This approach — taking research closer to people — is the model we aim to build here in Bradford. MRVin offers a valuable opportunity to increase participation by making research more accessible and community focused.”

Attendees had the opportunity to explore MRVin and learn more about the how it works, its’ facilities and how it takes research closer to communities across the region. A highlight of the day was a specially made MRVin-themed cake — a creative and tasty tribute to the new vehicle that captured everyone’s attention (and taste buds!)

Looking Ahead

The Bradford Institute for Health Research team is now ready to take MRVin on the road. We are pleased to take this step towards reducing barriers to research and ensuring that more people can contribute to improving health outcomes.

As MRVin begins its journey, we look forward to engaging with communities across Bradford and West Yorkshire, gathering insights, and continuing to build a more inclusive and engaged research environment.

Want to use MRVin?

To find out more or to book MRVin, please contact:MRVin.Bradford@bthft.nhs.uk or call: 01274 383448
Follow us on social media for updates and stories from the road: @MRVinBradford