What are we doing?

BaCPAKs is a funded clinical trial of nerve block treatments for chronic pain after knee replacement surgery. We would like to expand our panel of public contributors with people who have had a knee replacement. 

How can you help?

We seek public contributors, ideally those with knee replacement surgery experience, for our research project. Your input is crucial for developing the trial protocol, creating participant documents, summarising results, and evaluating ways to share findings.  

How will we support you?

We will offer training in writing lay summaries and other methods to share trial results. Public contributors will be compensated at £25 per hour. Application deadline is the 31 March 2025.

For more information, contact Gwenda Simons at g.simons@bham.ac.uk.

What are we doing?

The Health Research Authority (HRA) and the Medicine and Healthcare product Regulatory Authority (MHRA) are developing new guidance to accompany the updated UK Clinical Trials Regulations which are currently being approved by the government. This guidance covers simplified consent processes, public involvement, and diversity guidelines. 

How can you help?

We need your feedback to refine these guidelines. Your insights will ensure they are effective and comprehensive. Email engagement.team@hra.nhs.uk to find out more. 

What are we doing?

TARGetAMR is a research network that brings together scientists working on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genomics. AMR happens when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites stop responding to medicines, making infections harder to treat. The aim is to connect experts from different fields and find better ways to use genomics (the study of genes and DNA) to tackle this growing problem. 

How can you help?

You will be involved in providing feedback on research topics/projects to make sure they are relevant and accessible to the public. The group will meet a few times per year to help shape the direction of the network.

How will we support you?

Members will be given guidance on their role and how they can contribute. Payment will be offered in line with NIHR guidelines at £25 per hour.

For more information contact Rivie Mayele-Tamina at r.mayele-tamina@bham.ac.uk.

What are we doing?

The National Institute for Health and Care Research is pleased to share an opportunity for members of the public who live in the UK, are 18 and over and have lived or caring experience of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to be involved in the shaping of a commercial trial. 

How can you help?

They are working with a company to help them improve their planned research. Their partner is looking for people who are willing to share their experiences and insights in an online group discussion. This will help them to design a study that is focused on the needs of the patient, their family, and their community. The session will last 2.5 hours. 

How will we support you?

All attendees will be paid £67.50 for their time. Deadline for applications is 23 March 2025.

Find out more about this opportunity.

What are we doing?

Are you affected by blood cancer and interested in research? Blood Cancer UK is looking for individuals to join their Research Involvement Network. 

How can you help?

You can support by participating in various involvement activities such as chatting with researchers online, reviewing documents and applications, attending funding panels, and interviews. 

How will we support you?

You will receive comprehensive training and will be offered £25 per hour for your contribution. Deadline for applications is 28 April 2025.

For more information contact Lisa Whittaker at lisa.whittaker@bloodcancer.org.uk. 

This month we are thrilled to spotlight one of our amazing public contributors who plays a crucial role in our various working groups and Patient Advisory group. Meet Kanta - here's a glimpse into her incredible journey as a public contributor. 

"My passion and purpose is equity for all and encouraging people to use a platform to share from their lens of experience. I have been an active member of Keele University’s Research Users Group (RUG) for over 5 years and this involvement has highlighted the importance of inclusive practices and patient/public involvement and engagement in research..."

Read more from Kanta  

Friday 21 March 2025 | 11am | Online

The webinar draws on experience of involving lived experience partners in Adult Social Care Research as part of the SCRiPT project.

This SCRiPT project was about evaluating ways to build research capacity in Adult Social Care. Speakers will cover some of the challenges involved, such as recruiting members of the public with relevant experience and reaching out to marginalised groups, as well as key learnings from the contribution of lived experience partners.

Register here to attend. 

Have you been part of a research study or are just interested to find out more? The Participant in Research Experience Survey (PRES) is an annual nationally standardised survey used to collect adults and children's views and experiences of participating in NIHR supported research. Explore the findings from the 2023/2024 survey. 

NIHR Be Part of Research is a free service where you can search for research studies to take part in and register your interest in participating in research. Find out more about this service.

Did you know that the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) offer a free, interactive and online course for people like you? This course is designed for public contributors who are committee or PPI group members as well as public reviewers. It covers reviewing in all contexts for NIHR research funding programmes, plus skills and activities required at different levels and stages of research. Find out more here. 

Saturday 10 May | 10am-6pm | ThinkTank, Birmingham

The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Systems Modelling & Quantitative Biomedicine is hosting a hackathon for young people where they'll create a website about diabetes awareness. We need you to come along to share your experience with the students. All ages welcome – please do share this event with friends and family that may be interested. Reimbursement for travel and time provided. For more info, contact SMQB@contacts.bham.ac.uk. 

Interested in the links between the health of our mouth and that of the rest of the body? Hear from Prof Iain Chapple from our Oral, Intestinal and Systemic Health theme in a recent BBC Radio 4 programme.