Research opportunities We are often contacted by researchers wishing to talk to adopted people and adopters as part of their research. Below are some current opportunities. Please note that Adoption UK does not have any involvement in these projects. Whilst we will only ever share details of research with full ethical approval, we are in no way endorsing the research, or the work of the researcher. We always advise that you read all the information provided and talk to the researcher before deciding whether to get involved. This page includes research participation invitations for adopters, adult adoptees and social workers. Adopters Adoptees' Experiences of Secondary School A researcher at the University of Sheffield is seeking adoptees aged 18-25 for research in adoptees' experiences of attending mainstream secondary schools in the UK. Please consider sharing this with your adult children if they are eligible. The researcher hopes to have recruited all participants by the end of September 2026. Priorities for research in adoption Researchers at Manchester University are seeking the views of adoptees, friends and family members of adoptees (including adoptive parents) and professionals with adoption expertise to help to decide future priorities for research in adoption. Take part in the survey by scanning the QR code in the image below, or clicking here. The survey will close at the end of August 2026. The Big Future - Children's Commissioner's Survey The Children's Commissioner's third national survey of children and young people (aged up to 18) will be open until October 2026. It asks children their views on a range of issues including what worries them, what they love, the ways they have fun and the changes they want to see for a better future. While many schools will provide opportunities for children to complete the survey, it is important to ensure that adopted young people, including those educated outside of school have the opportunity to respond if they wish to. The survey can be found using the QR code in the image below, or on the Children's Commissioner's website. Identity and adoption Researchers at the University of Oxford are inviting adoptive parents in the UK to take part in a study exploring how adoptive parents’ identity as a parent might relate to their wellbeing, confidence and satisfaction with parenthood, and relationship with their child. Despite the unique experiences of adoptive parents, no research has explored this area yet, and your contribution could help improve understanding and support for adoptive families in the future. Participation involves completing a short anonymous online survey (around 10 minutes). We are looking for parents : Who adopted in the UK within the last 5 years, Who do have no biological, step, or foster children, and Who are aged 18 or over. If you would like to take part, please click here to access the information sheet and survey: https://psychiatryoxford.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CBEGeEA3A3Rajc For any questions or to learn more about the study, please contact Kata Katona at [email protected]. Adopted people Adoptees' Experiences of Secondary School A researcher at the University of Sheffield is seeking adoptees aged 18-25 for research in adoptees' experiences of attending mainstream secondary schools in the UK. The researcher hopes to have recruited all participants by the end of September 2026. Testing a new Health App designed for adults with FASD Researchers at the University of Rochester are seeking participants for a randomised control trial study of the My Health Coach app for adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Priorities for research in adoption Researchers at Manchester University are seeking the views of adoptees, friends and family members of adoptees (including adoptive parents) and professionals with adoption expertise to help to decide future priorities for research in adoption. Take part in the survey by scanning the QR code in the image below or clicking here. The survey will close at the end of August 2026. Social Work Professionals Priorities for research in adoption Researchers at Manchester University are seeking the views of adoptees, friends and family members of adoptees (including adoptive parents) and professionals with adoption expertise to help to decide future priorities for research in adoption. Take part in the survey by scanning the QR code in the image below or clicking here. The survey will close at the end of August 2026. Race, Embodiment and Life Transitions among Adult Transracial Adoptees in the UK PhD researcher, Kriti Khurana, is exploring practitioners' perspectives on how race is considered, discussed and navigated in adoption practice. Participants will be invited to take part in a confidential interview. Back to Top Manage Cookie Preferences