On 17 November, members of the PPIE group visited the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, for a lab tour organised by Ron Chakraverty and his team. The event provided an opportunity to learn more about the research carried out by Themes 1 and 2.
The day began with informal networking over coffee and pastries in the communal area, followed by a series of short presentations from researchers. Topics included:
- Targeting specific T-cell receptors
- Advances in gene editing and its potential applications
- The process of stem cell culturing
Attendees engaged in lively discussions, with researchers answering a wide range of questions. After lunch, participants were divided into smaller groups for guided tours of three different laboratories. Wearing protective lab coats, visitors observed the techniques and technologies used in cutting-edge research.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers and patients, offering valuable insights into how scientific developments translate into real-world therapies.
Here's what the Patient Partners had to say about the event:
"Our thanks to all the people involved for whom it is obviously more than just a job and who seemed to be genuinely delighted to meet beneficiaries of their work."
"The lab tour was fascinating - however it was the researchers and access to them which really made the day."
"As a carer, feeling that anything said might be of interest, however little, made it just a great day out."
The event was equally useful for the BTRU researchers:
"It's helpful - particularly for non-clinical members of the BTRU team - to hear the patient/public perspective on the BTRU work. Some very thoughtful questions were asked."
"As a scientist, it was a very valuable experience for me to hear from the patients who actually receive the therapies we try to build in the lab. Seeing their enthusiasm for science was inspirational for me."
"Their contribution is priceless. I think every scientist should engage in events like these to learn about the patient perspective and develop skills to effectively communicate their research."
