What is #Red4Research?
#Red4Research brings together all those participating, supporting, and undertaking research. On the front line and behind the scenes incredible research teams collectively work on health and social care research. The R&D community is innovative, flexible and dynamic. Research doesn’t just happen though, people make it happen – research participants, patients, professionals, volunteers and regulatory bodies all collectively working together.
In collaboration with the health and care sectors and voluntary organisations the R&D community has achieved a phenomenal amount. It has
improved patient outcomes
changed clinical management, policies and guidelines
provided life-saving diagnostics, procedures and treatments
evaluated a range of novel and repurposed therapeutics demonstrating that large platform trials are feasible
undertaken rapid evidence appraisals
improved our understanding of health and human diseases
developed and delivered COVID-19 vaccines at an unprecedented speed
established rapid ethical review processes
streamlined and aligned regulatory approval processes
advanced the international research agenda
enhanced capacity building
provided real-time visualization of data to inform decision making
reduced research waste through coordinated research activity and data sharing
#Red4Research Day on Friday 19th June 2026 aims to get as many people as possible wearing red to demonstrate their support and appreciation for all those participating, undertaking and supporting research. It is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the phenomenal work, learning legacy and innovative treatments/systems/techniques that have arisen from R&D.
#Red4Research Day began in 2020. It is not country, group or organisation specific but powered by the collective efforts. Research isn’t undertaken by individuals working in isolation, it is collegial, made possible by people around the world working together. The #Red4Research campaign has been supported by people across the world in countries such as Australia, Chile, China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, USA, and countries across Africa, as well as the UK.
What is involved?
The #Red4Research concept is very simple. Wear something red, it can be any item of clothing, then download/print or make a placard saying #Red4Research, take a photo and post it on social media with the #Red4Research hashtag.
It’s all about positivity, creativity and support in the face of adversity. #Red4Research is completely inclusive – anyone, any age, anywhere can participate – children, adults, even pets! Hopefully people might have a bit of fun along the way raising the profile and work of all those involved in the process.
