Call for Expressions of Interest to Host the Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice Conference
The Health Services Research and Pharmacy Practice (HSRPP) Conference Committee is inviting expressions of interest from research-active organisations across the UK and Republic of Ireland to host the HSRPP conference in 2029 or 2030. The conference typically takes place in April annually.
As one of the leading conferences for pharmacy practice and health services research, the HSRPP Conference brings together researchers, practitioners, educators and students to share knowledge, introduce and discuss emerging methodologies, foster collaboration, and advance the evidence base for pharmacy.
We welcome applications from universities, research institutes, NHS organisations and other research-active institutions across the UK and Republic of Ireland. We also encourage collaborative and partnership bids, recognising that successful conferences are often strengthened by bringing together complementary expertise, networks and resources. Organisations may therefore choose to co-host the conference with one or more partner organisations.
The Health Service Research and Pharmacy Practice Conference
The aims of the HSRPP Conference are to:
- Identify and disseminate high-quality research that informs policy and practice development.
- Advance and strengthen the evidence base for pharmacy.
- Provide a supportive environment for researchers in pharmacy practice and health services research to exchange ideas, insights and experiences.
- Support the development of early career researchers by providing opportunities to present their work and develop their professional skills.
- Showcase emerging research, innovative methodologies and topical issues relevant to the field.
- Disseminate research through publication in the International Journal of Pharmacy Practice.
Why Host the HSRPP Conference?
Hosting the HSRPP Conference offers a unique opportunity to:
- Showcase your organisation’s research strengths, expertise and strategic priorities.
- Raise the national and international profile of your research team, institution and region.
- Build new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships across academia, healthcare and policy.
- Contribute to shaping the future direction of pharmacy practice and health services research.
- Develop experience and expertise in conference leadership, planning and delivery.
- Welcome delegates from across the UK, Ireland and beyond, delivering positive economic outcomes in your region while highlighting your local community and research environment.
Hosting the HSRPP Conference
Hosting the HSRPP Conference offers a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation’s strengths, contribute to the advancement of pharmacy practice research, and help shape an engaging and impactful event for the HSRPP community.
Pharmacy Research UK (PRUK), as the HSRPP secretariat, will offer guidance to the successful host institution throughout the planning process. PRUK coordinates HSRPP Conference Committee meetings twice a year (typically June and November), prepares committee papers in collaboration with the co-chairs, and provides guidance and support to hosts as they develop and deliver the conference. The host organisation will lead on the administrative and operational arrangements required to plan and deliver the event. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Selection of and liaison with national/international plenary speakers;
- Programme setting and production – programme arrangements and design, including the organisation of workshops where relevant and conference dinner and social events;
- Venue sourcing, liaison and delegate accommodation – liaison with local hotels/onsite accommodation and arrangement of block booked rooms [delegates make their own bookings];
- Attracting sponsorship for the conference;
- Abstract administration (including liaison with International Journal of Pharmacy Practice publishers, abstract authors and the HSRPP Conference Committee);
- Collating any comments and feedback from the HSRPP Conference Committee and passing these back to the abstract authors for feedback;
- Updating and uploading relevant website material and general overview of content;
- Managing finances and investment of monies, and receiving and processing conference payments, including all ticket sales;
- Issuing a survey to all delegates upon completion of the conference.
Applying to Host the Conference
Expressions of interest must be submitted by 12pm on Friday 16th October. Applications will be reviewed by the HSRPP Conference Committee.
To apply, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and submit it to hsrpp@pharmresuk.org.uk before the deadline. Applicants should clearly indicate whether they wish to host the conference in 2029, 2030, or either year. Please note that the committee may request you to host in a particular year, depending on the discussions that result from this recruitment round.
Application Information
The application form, together with the assessment criteria, is available below. Applicants should provide information about their organisation, available facilities, the two academic leads who will join the HSRPP Conference Committee, and the proposed conference theme.
The judging criteria is provided to help applicants understand how proposals will be assessed and to support the development of strong applications.
Judging Criteria (for information)
Expectations of successful hosts
To support continuity and knowledge sharing between conferences, the first named applicant will be expected to serve as a core HSRPP Conference Committee member for six years, while the second named applicant will serve for three years. These terms are relative to the conference start date, so hosts would typically join the HSRPP Conference Committee the year before they host in order to benefit from support before the hosting year. Both leads are encouraged to take an active leadership role and may jointly chair committee meetings and co-lead conference planning and delivery.
You will be part of a community that offers great expertise and experience in conference management, as well as offering support to new hosts in delivering a successful conference.
Interested in learning more?
We recognise that organisations may have different levels of experience in conference delivery and strongly encourage prospective applicants to get in touch for an informal discussion. We are happy to explore different hosting models, including collaborative and co-hosting arrangements, and to discuss how your organisation could bring its unique strengths to the HSRPP Conference.
For an informal conversation about the opportunities and responsibilities involved in hosting, please contact Desh Mofidi at desh.mofidi@pharmresuk.org.uk.
Further information about the HSRPP Conference can be found on the dedicated HSRPP webpages.
