Verian named finalist for the MRS Inclusive Research Award 2026

The nomination recognises our work supporting the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, giving 600 children and young people from across the UK the opportunity to share their experiences. The research included groups whose voices can too often be missing from evidence gathering, helping ensure a broad range of perspectives were heard.

Researching sensitive experiences requires more than robust methodology. Participants needed to feel safe, supported and able to engage on their own terms. That's why inclusion was built into every stage of the project.

Working with children and young people, and drawing on specialist expertise, we developed a trauma-informed, participant-led approach designed to give participants choice and control over how they took part. Our goal was simple: to create an environment where young people felt comfortable sharing their experiences openly.

The evidence gathered helped bring children and young people’s lived experiences directly into the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, contributing insights that can help shape thinking about how future generations can be better protected.

We're proud to see this work recognised by the MRS and grateful to the children and young people who took part, as well as the teams whose expertise and commitment made the research possible.