The Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies are some of the iconic landmarks lighting up red on Friday 17 June in a powerful demonstration of support for #Red4Research Day.

The day aims to get as many people as possible wearing red to demonstrate their support and appreciation for all those who continue to participate, deliver, and support research into COVID-19 and other diseases.

Scottish Canals have thrown their support behind #Red4Research Day 2022 by pledging to light up the striking Kelpies – 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures, created by renowned artist Andy Scott – and the rotating Falkirk Wheel, which raises boats 24 metres high to connect the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Anne Todd, Clinical Research Nurse, NHS Forth Valley said: “To have both the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel lighting up on Friday 17 June is just amazing. That show of support and appreciation for those participating, delivering and supporting research, including staff across NHS Forth Valley, is a fantastic gesture and helps recognise the efforts of everyone involved.

“We hope that when people see such iconic structures glowing red, they too will think about the vital role of research. We need only look back on the last two years to see how important it has been in developing new Covid-19 treatments and vaccines. However, it extends to every area of healthcare and we are currently involved a wide range of research projects and clinical trials to help improve the care and treatment of patients across Forth Valley and beyond.”

#Red4Research Day began in 2020 with the simple ethos that it would not be “country, group or organisation-specific but powered by collective efforts.”
The day supports all those coming together “to collectively work on health and social care research.”

#Red4Research believes that research is not undertaken by individuals working in isolation but is made possible by people around the world working together.
The #Red4Research campaign has been supported by people across the world in countries such as Africa, America, Australia, Chile, China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Spain, as well as the UK.

Despite being placed under tremendous pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, the research community has continued to evolve, delivering research studies at unprecedented pace and scale.

NHS R&D Forum Research Management Working Group Chair and founder of Red4Research, Sally Humphreys added: “Research doesn’t just happen, people make it happen – research participants, patients, professionals, volunteers, and regulatory bodies all collectively working together. Research continues to offer a beacon of hope for the future with everybody playing their part.

“On Red4Research Day, we simply ask that you wear something red – it can be any item of clothing. You can even make a placard with Red4Research Day on it, take a photo and post it on social media with the #Red4Research hashtag.

“It’s all about positivity, creativity and supporting Red4Research is completely inclusive – anyone, any age, anywhere can participate. Hopefully people might have a bit of fun along the way raising the profile and work of all those involved.”

NHS Research Scotland supports the placement, setup, and delivery of clinical research studies. Last year over 1400 studies were delivered across Scotland with over 43,000 members of the public taking part.