This winter, the BTRU in Precision Cellular Therapeutics (PCT), the BTRU in Genomics to Enhance Microbial Screening (GEMs), and NHS Blood and Transplant joined forces to raise awareness of our research and highlight opportunities for patient and public involvement.
We stepped out of our offices and labs to visit the Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill Community Centres, areas with higher-than-average deprivation, where we joined healthy living events and connected directly with local residents.
Connecting research and community spirit
With the support of PPIE Managers Cassy Fiford and Karen Shaw, our Researchers and Public Partners brought research to life using fun, hands‑on activities.
Visitors were able to:
- See blood cells up close in a microscope
- Learn how cell and gene therapies work
- Guess how likely a transfusion is needed in a person’s lifetime
- Show how they feel about blood donation
- Vote on research priorities
- Create a fluffy blood cell to take home
- Share personal experiences of cancer, blood disorders and donation
Patient Partners Brenda and Nikki did a particularly amazing job of highlighting the vital role of patient and public involvement in research, and were fantastic ambassadors for our research.
"I have gained so much being part of PPI, such as knowing my suggestions have been heard, and often actioned. I have also learned a lot, and have enjoyed meeting new people with a wide breadth of experience and knowledge, which in turn has increased my confidence in being directly involved in making a difference to research, and ultimately patient care." Brenda - Public Partner
“Helping out at community events was a deeply rewarding experience. From the moment I started speaking with attendees, I could see how powerful it was for people to meet someone who has personally received blood. Putting a real face to the impact of their donations changed the conversation, suddenly it wasn’t just an advert or a general call to humanity but a tangible reminder of the lives they touch. Throughout the events, I enjoyed engaging in thoughtful, heartfelt conversations and taking part in the wonderful activities. It was inspiring to witness the generosity of community firsthand and to play a small role in encouraging others to give. I’m grateful for the chance to be involved and look forward to supporting future events." Nikki - Public Partner
Why It Matters
By taking part in these events, our BTRUs are strengthening ties with local communities and ensuring that research is not only about discovery but also about dialogue. Both events, organised by Oxford City Council, helped us reach communities that are often underserved by health services, education, and research.
These events help build trust in science, encourage involvement, and show how research can directly benefit public health. Most importantly, they create space for two-way conversations - allowing us to better understand wider perceptions of our work.
Listening to personal experiences is also a great reminder of why this research matters. It was also a fantastic opportunity for our BTRU teams to learn more about each other’s projects and explore future collaborations.
"The Blackbird Leys and Rose Hill events were real highlights for us this year. I was struck by how curious community members were about the BTRU’s work, and how quickly conversations deepened. One moment that stayed with me was someone saying, ‘Thank you, you never hear the good things that go on with research,’ which showed both how underserved these communities have been and how much trust can grow simply by showing up. A big thank-you to Oxford County Council for welcoming us, we hope to return in the future!" Cassy Fiford - PPIE Manager.
Our researchers agree!
"It was inspiring to see the range of people that were interested in our work, from small children to older adults. For a lot of the people I spoke to, cancer directly affected their families, and it was in that moment that I remembered the importance of my work (developing new cell-based blood cancer therapies) and strengthened my motivation to keep going." Asja Punchun, Researcher
“As a postdoctoral researcher, connecting with the community offered a new perspective on my work. Listening to people’s stories, questions, and lived experiences turned research into a shared exchange beyond the lab, and highlighted the importance of engaging with the communities our research aims to benefit.” Mara Cenerenti -Researcher