Rapid Research and Evaluation Lab
Agile research
for real impact
Who we are
At the Rapid Research and Evaluation Lab (RREAL), we harness the power of research to make a tangible difference in healthcare systems, programmes, and interventions, particularly in time-sensitive contexts.
We are a multidisciplinary team based at University College London. We believe that the journey to evidence is as vital as the evidence itself. That's why we are transforming the conventional academic approach, providing efficient, collaborative research methods that are deeply rooted in the realities of applied professionals and those in our society who need us most.
What We do
RREAL is a multidisciplinary team combining expertise in medical anthropology, psychology, medical sociology, digital sociology and social epidemiology.
The aim of RREAL is to improve the quality and impact of rapid research used to study and evaluate clinical and health service models and interventions for time-sensitive contexts.
We work to achieve this aim by:
Providing/developing expertise on a wide range of approaches including research projects, programme evaluations, services and interventions, or diagnostic and structured assessments in the form of appraisals.
Maintain a commitment to methodological and theoretical innovation and experimentation to advance the field of rapid research.
Deliver training to facilitate the quick turnaround of findings for time-sensitive contexts and topics, and timely sharing of findings to inform decision-making.
Our Services
At RREAL, we offer a range of services designed to support healthcare organisations, researchers, and policymakers in addressing time-sensitive challenges with robust, actionable insights. Our expertise spans:
Training and Capacity Building
Delivering face-to-face and online training sessions tailored to equip teams with the skills needed to design and implement rapid research projects effectively.
Synthesising existing evidence to provide a comprehensive, timely understanding of healthcare topics and interventions.
Rapid Ethnographies and Evaluations
Conducting in-depth, rapid assessments of healthcare systems, programmes, and interventions to identify key strengths, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Consultancy and Advisory Support
Guiding teams and organisations in adopting and optimising rapid research methods, ensuring their approaches are tailored to specific needs and contexts.
Our services are grounded in multidisciplinary expertise, ensuring that every project is approached with methodological rigour and a commitment to impact. Whether you are navigating complex health emergencies, piloting new healthcare delivery models, or refining clinical trials, RREAL is here to help you succeed.