Making sure the experiences of patients, carers, and members of the public are at the centre of research is key to the work we do at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Leeds, and helps us make sure research is done in a way that includes and benefits everyone.
Over the past few months our wonderful Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team have been busy with many activities and events designed to raise awareness of health research amongst our local communities.
Some of the ways we’ve been working with local people include:
- Our ‘lunch and learn’ sessions where researchers and underserved communities come together to discuss research
- Our International Clinical Trials Day celebrations in May, where we were joined by more than 50 patients and staff at the Biomedical Research Centre: Leeds
- Our regular meetings of the Fighting Infection Group (FIG), where we discussed ongoing research into Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection (AMRI) in Leeds
- Frequent meetings with different Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups to explore topics such as how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support and improve patient care, new knee replacement technology, and managing multiple long term health conditions (MLTC)
Opening research to our communities allows researchers to hear directly from patients and families affected by different conditions. It also gives members of the public the chance to learn more about research in the NHS and the difference NIHR funding is making. One attendee at our International Clinical Trials Day in May, said:
“Today’s event has been very informative about the research that’s going on and I learned about how many organisations are involved with the NHS.”
You can keep up-to-date with these and many other activities and events at the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Leeds, by signing up to receive their seasonal newsletter.