Born in Bradford (BiB), one of the UK’s largest research studies tracking the lives of over 60,000 individuals, is set to host its 9th BiBFest international scientific festival at Salts Mill, Saltaire, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. The event aims to present the latest research findings on how children in Bradford can lead healthy and happy lives.
During the festival, BiB’s team will share their cutting-edge discoveries concerning the impact of society, lifestyle, genetics, and the environment on our overall well-being. Moreover, they will emphasise how their evidence has played a crucial role in influencing policies and practices, as well as developing innovative strategies to enhance the health and well-being of local communities.
Professor John Wright, the Chief Investigator and Founder of the Born in Bradford research program expressed the significance of their research in addressing critical questions that affect families in Bradford. He explained, “Our research has been pivotal to unlocking the answers to some of the biggest questions facing families across Bradford. These range from why do some children stay healthy, while others get ill, to what it is like for teenagers growing up in the city, as well as what helps children do well in school.”
The BiB researchers eagerly anticipate providing firsthand insights into their work, unveiling their most recent findings, and sparking discussions about the necessary actions to improve the lives of children and ensure their healthy and happy development.
The festival will cover a wide array of research topics, including initiatives to tackle inequalities in children’s physical activity, strategies to enhance young people’s resilience against drugs and violence, and efforts to improve the mental health of youth.
Apart from engaging panel discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive stalls from the research teams, experience video reality demonstrations of BiB data, enjoy art installations, and witness performances by young people from Bradford throughout the day.
Over 500 families, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from around the world are expected to attend BiBFest, marking the first edition of the festival since the onset of the pandemic.
The following panel sessions will be held on the day:
- Exposures and the City: Evidence and action around chemical and urban exposures
- Tackling inequalities in children’s physical activity
- How to unlock the power of communities: enablers and barriers
- A little less conversation, a little more action please: What can we do to give ALL children a fair start in life?
- Food, poverty, and hardship in families: Talking about what needs to change with organisations providing support, people with lived experience of poverty, and people involved in research
- Strengthening youth resilience against drugs and violence
- Improving health through evidence-driven educational equity
- What do we know about the mental health of young people in Bradford (and what can we do)?
The BiBFest promises to be an enlightening and engaging event, bringing together experts and stakeholders to shape a healthier future for the children of Bradford.
