What are we doing?

Key stakeholders at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust want to include the views, opinions and experiences of our local communities at every level of the research we do to ensure that the research we contribute to is important, relevant and valued by those we serve.

How can you help?

We are looking for someone to attend a bi-monthly meeting where the strategic objectives of the research and development department are reviewed, developed, and progressed and contribute your opinions and views on what is being developed, progressed and discussed. The meetings are held online for 2 hours (4 – 6pm). We would ideally like a resident of the Sandwell and West Birmingham area, but this isn’t essential.

How will we support you?

We will offer training in the basic principles of research and will reimburse reasonable travel expenses alongside an hourly fee for attendance and contribution at a rate of £25 per hour.

How to apply?

Please email swbh.randd.generic@nhs.net by 30 September 2025 to express your interest.  

What are we doing?

In-vitro diagnostics (IVDs) are medical tests used on samples taken from the body. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI may be used as part of an IVD or to help interpret results. We are researching AI-assisted IVDs.

How can you help?

We are looking for people who have used a medical test (could be a lateral flow COVID-19 test or any other test) and are curious about AI/data to be available for a two-hour online meeting in mid-October.

How will we support you?

We will offer payment for your time. There is potential for continued involvement if the project receives funding (4-year project). We’ll agree ways of working, keep in touch, and feedback how your input is used.

How to apply?

Email Katie Scandrett at k.e.scandrett@bham.ac.uk by Friday 3 October 2025.  

What are we doing?

We are designing a new research study that aims to support people with dementia to keep active and get involved with local community activities.

How can you help?

We are looking for carers of people with dementia to join a group discussion about this new study. We want to hear their experiences of caring and opinions on the study. The group discussion will last for no longer than one hour and take place online, at a time that works for all participants.

How will we support you?

You will receive a £20 voucher as compensation for your time.

How to apply?

Please email Felicity Spencer at fss220@student.bham.ac.uk. 

What are we doing?

The Health Innovation West Midlands Innovation Fund supports entrepreneurs developing new health products and services. Applications are reviewed by a panel including patients, public contributors, and experts.

How can you help?

Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands invites you to join one of their face-to-face panels to assess funding applications alongside clinicians and technologists, and provide your perspective as a patient or public contributor.

How will we support you?

You’ll receive proposals in advance for review (2–3 hours of pre-reading). Meetings last 4 hours and are held on:

• Thursday, 23 October (location TBC)
• Friday, 24 October (Warwickshire Golf Club, Leek Wooton)

Payment is £25/hour plus expenses.

How to apply?

Contact Dr Paddie Murphy at paddie@plmcs.co.uk by 30 September.

What are we doing?

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) is launching a national network to embed young people’s voices in public health research. This initiative aims to promote inclusive youth engagement, co-design research priorities, and build lasting partnerships with youth-serving organisations.

How can you help?

If you're aged 16–25, a youth worker, or work with youth organisations, you can express interest in joining the network. You’ll help shape research by sharing your experiences and perspectives.

How will we support you?

Support will be provided by the wider SPHR team. 

How to apply?

Fill in the expression of interest form. For more information, contact Michelle Tester-Jones at M.C.Tester-Jones3@exeter.ac.uk.

What are we doing?

We are a team of cancer researchers at the University of Birmingham. We want the views of patients and carers to co-design and apply for funding for a clinical trial of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a well tolerated drug that might reduce or prevent nerve problems (neuropathy) caused by cancer treatment.

How can you help?

If you are a patient, family member, or carer and have experience of nerve problems (neuropathy) following a diagnosis with stage 3 or stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer, we would like you to join an online group discussion:

- Duration: Up to 90 minutes

- Date: A Wednesday in November (5th, 12th, 19th, or 26th)

- Where: Online (link provided after registration)

- Group size: Up to 10 people

- Recording: The session will be recorded for note-taking, but recordings will be deleted and you will not be identified. You may also use a different name if you wish.

How will we support you?

Reimbursement for your time is available as a one-off payment of £37.50.

How to apply?

Email to Claire Palles on c.palles@bham.ac.uk by 29 October to express your interest. 

19 September | 1-2pm | Online

Join the eighth session in NIHR’s PPI in Action webinar series, showcasing innovative approaches to patient and public involvement in research. This webinar explores how creative biographical methods can be used to gather experience data and inform co-design, especially in areas where vulnerable voices are often overlooked. Register now.

30 September | 6-7pm | Online

How can magnets help our immune system fight cancer? Our free webinar series 'Your health, our research: Short talks, big impact' is restarting after the summer, and we warmly invite you to join us for this short talk delivered by Dr Abhinav Thareja to discover how out cutting-edge research is exploring ways to improve treatments for cancer patients. No science knowledge needed - register to attend!

15 October | 6pm–8:30pm | The Exchange, Birmingham

Join us for a special Baby Loss Awareness Week event to raise awareness and improve care for those affected by miscarriage. Attend the event and participate in the candle-lighting and panel discussion. Share lived experience or interest in miscarriage support. No formal commitment required. 

This is a free public event hosted by Tommy’s, Birmingham Women’s Hospital, and the University of Birmingham. While no payment is offered, attendees will be supported with a welcoming environment, refreshments, and opportunities to connect with researchers and clinicians. Register online to book your place or email Kyra Bains on k.rai.1@bham.ac.uk with any queries. 

17 October | 1pm – 3pm | Online

This online workshop for researchers and the public is suitable to anyone wanting to find out more about involvement and engagement of public in research.

Just email brcppie@contacts.bham.ac.uk to request a place.