The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has announced that its "Be Part of Research" online service, which encourages members of the public to get involved in health research, is now available through the NHS App in England.

Through the Be Part of Research website, people can search for what trials and studies are taking place for particular health conditions they are interested in. As well as showing what research is currently happening across the UK, the service helps the public understand what research is, and what it might mean to take part.

The service is aimed at everyone. Healthy volunteers as well as those with a diagnosis or health condition can use the service to find out about a broad range of research, from lifestyle questionnaires to clinical trials, taking place at local hospitals, GP practices, or at home.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Steve Barclay announced the addition at a motor neurone disease round table event, calling for more people to get involved to help researchers accelerate the search for a cure.

He said: “I encourage people in England to sign up to research via the NHS App and join our ever-growing UK-wide register Be Part of Research.”

Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the NIHR said:

“Research improves health and social care for patients and the public, and underpins the discovery of new treatments and innovations in care, as well as helping the NHS make better use of resources and bringing inward investment from the global life sciences industry.

“We want everyone to be able to access research opportunities, no matter what health condition they have or where they live. I am excited that we are now making it even easier for people in England to find and register their interest in suitable research opportunities via the NHS App and Be Part of Research.”

The UK-wide service is delivered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and supported by the devolved nations.