16 participants in this year’s NxtGen Researcher Programme in Southampton have spent months designing and delivering their own research on topics that matter most to them.
Their work explored adolescent mental health, education, physical activity, social media, and specific health conditions, using surveys, interviews, and other research tools to gather evidence and shape evidence-based proposals.
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Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: “Such confident, articulate and driven young people – skills and attitudes that will serve them well going forwards in life and importantly making us decision-makers think differently about how we engage and work with young people to achieve progress together.
“The co-production day was a culmination of the comprehensive research training that the young people receive at LifeLab.
“The LifeLab team and training programme are fundamental in equipping our young people in Southampton to take a leading role in research, addressing priority issues that matter most to them.”
The teenagers presented their findings to decision-makers at a co-production assembly held at Southampton City Council Chambers.
In attendance were policymakers and practitioners who discussed how to turn the youth-led recommendations into action.
The NxtGen Researcher Programme is co-developed by LifeLab, an educational project from the University of Southampton.
It involves the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and University Hospital Southampton.
The programme teaches skills in ethical research, evaluation, and advocacy while emphasising the importance of reflecting real community experiences.
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Participants represent a mix of social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds to ensure broad perspectives.
The scheme is backed by Southampton City Council’s NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration and the Public Health team.
15-year-old participant Esme said: “Taking part in the assembly made me feel like I could influence those in charge.
“It made me feel included and appreciated because all the young researchers there were getting their ideas put forward and being able to show what they think and share their opinions.”
The project forms part of wider efforts to improve health and reduce inequalities by placing young people’s voices at the centre of evidence-based decision-making.
