For participants and communities
Discover relevant opportunities, understand what’s involved, control your consent preferences, and choose whether and when to be contacted.
Consent-led access to inclusive research
Helping communities shape the future of health innovation.
HexisConnect is a digital bridge between underrepresented communities and the organisations running product trials, omics and genomics studies, focus groups, PPIE work and clinical research. Participation begins with consent, plain English, and choice.
Participant control
Plain-English study information
Anonymised insights first
Trust and governance by design
Why this matters
Research and innovation are not yet reaching the people they should serve.
Genomic research, drug discovery, product development and clinical trials still largely reflect a narrow slice of the population. That lack of diversity introduces bias into the evidence base — limiting how accurate, safe and effective personalised medicine and consumer innovation can be for many communities, from Tees Valley to global partners.
HexisConnect is a low-barrier digital connector between communities, researchers, healthcare organisations and companies. It widens who gets heard, who gets invited, and who shapes what comes next.
- Make opportunities easier to understandPlain-English summaries replace jargon-heavy study information.
- Keep consent at the centreParticipants choose what they hear about and how their information is used.
- Protect personal informationResearchers see anonymised inclusion insights first – personal details only when participants choose to engage.
- Support better inclusionBridge underserved local communities with national and international research priorities.
Built for three audiences
A platform that works for the people who need it.
Whether you are taking part, designing a study, or recruiting for a product trial, the model is the same: consent-led, trustworthy and inclusive.
For researchers and healthcare organisations
Reach broader communities for focus groups, omics studies, trial readiness, PPIE and inclusive clinical research engagement.
For companies and innovators
Recruit more inclusively for product trials, usability studies and innovation programmes, supported by anonymised inclusion metrics.
Example project offers
The kinds of opportunities you may see.
Illustrative only – real opportunities will be added with full plain-English study information once the participant website launches.
Sensitive Scalp Product Trial
Personal Care Innovation Lab
Home-use trial for a scalp care product designed for sensitive and textured hair.
Community Genomics Focus Group
Tees Valley Health Innovation Network
A discussion about trust, consent and participation in genomics research, hosted with community partners.
Personalised Wellness Study
Inclusive Health Research Unit
Exploring how lifestyle, ancestry and biomarkers can inform personalised wellness support.
Dermatology Trial Awareness Session
NHS Research Partner
A plain-English session explaining how dermatology trials work and how participants are protected.
Participant early access
Want early access to the participant website?
Join the early access list to hear about suitable studies, product trials and focus groups. We’ll send you access details when the participant website is ready. Registering interest does not commit you to taking part in any study.
- Choose the types of opportunities you want to hear about
- Read plain-English summaries before deciding
- Share personal details only when you choose to engage
- Change your preferences or withdraw interest at any time
For organisations and innovators
Need more inclusive recruitment for your study, trial or product innovation project?
HexisConnect supports companies, researchers and healthcare organisations looking to engage underrepresented communities in a transparent, consent-led and governance-aware way.
Product trials
Recruit for product testing, feedback, home-use trials and claims validation.
Focus groups and PPIE
Engage communities in co-production, priority setting and study design.
Clinical trial readiness
Improve awareness, trust and access before formal recruitment begins.
Inclusion insights
Understand anonymised representation, barriers and drop-off points across studies.
Find us
Based at the National Horizons Centre.
HexisConnect is hosted at one of the UK’s leading life sciences and bioscience training facilities, in the heart of the Tees Valley innovation ecosystem.
Project location
Come and meet the team.
We’re part of the National Horizons Centre at Teesside University – a regional hub for bioscience, health innovation and skills.
National Horizons Centre (NHC)
Teesside University
Darlington, DL1 1HG
United Kingdom
Darlington, DL1 1HG
United Kingdom