Public contributor spotlight: Emily’s take

At the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, we work with patient and public contributors across a range of health conditions. But who are they, and what is it like to get involved in research as a member of the public? To find out, read this piece authored by our public contributor Emily Lam.

“You never know what you will get to learn more about, and I really like that.” 

Emily

Since joining the central BRC Public and Patient Advisory Group (PPAG for short), after becoming a member of the Liver and GI PPI group, I have been involved in all sorts of things.

Lately with the Liver & GI PPI group, I have become one of two PPI co-applicants on a Liver Cancer Study grant regarding slowing the progression of a particular cancer.  Please keep your fingers crossed for a successful funding outcome for this application, and make this a good news story. 

 As a member of the PPAG, I get to meet (virtually) with people in groups that are involved with various themes across the BRC, which I find interesting.

Lately, I became a ‘public reviewer’ for the Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre on a new award scheme for PPI they have introduced. A public reviewer is someone who provides feedback and suggestions on research proposals from the perspective of the general public. I gave my opinion on an application from a team requesting funding for public involvement in their research and made some suggestions. It was great to learn about a study being developed by another theme (Women’s Metabolic Health theme) and how they value involvement. I recommended whether it should be given funds for its involvement work, and I am hopeful they will receive it.

You never know what you will get to learn more about, and I really like that. 

Are you also interested in getting involved in research? Explore how you can join our community of public contributors.