Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement

Our research aims to transform the lives of people with blood cancers and blood disorders. We believe that working in partnership with patients, carers, and their communities makes this research more relevant and useful.

Your experiences, ideas and questions improve our research and ensure we tackle issues that really matter.

what research do we do?

Our research spans many areas, including:

Cutting-edge laboratory work to develop new therapies
The use of large data to understand which patients are offered new therapies to ensure fair access and benefit
The development of digital systems and patient apps to support care after treatment and understand how new therapies affect health and wellbeing.

You can get involved in any or all of these.

HOW CAN YOU HELP OUR RESEARCHERS?

We have two friendly ways to connect, share ideas and work together. You don't need any qualifications or previous experience to join, just a willingness to share your thoughts and work with others.

Activities vary from voting on ideas, commenting on documents, taking part in online meetings or attending events. You will always know what to expect (e.g. how long it will take, what support is available and payments offered) – so you can decide if it is right for you.

We have two friendly ways to connect, share ideas and work together:

You can join our advisor group. This patent and public group works closely with our researchers to provide ongoing advice. We have online meetings every 2 months where we discuss the research and share our perspectives. Members can also get involved in optional activities between meetings to suit their preferences, such as commenting on documents, making videos, attending research and community events.
You can join our supporter group. If you have less time, you could join our supporter group. This is a network of patients, carers, public members and community groups who receive a newsletter every 2 months that provides research updates and opportunities to get involved. Activities range from quick votes on options to completing surveys to share views. There also opportunities to meet the researchers and ask questions. Members can get involved as much, or as little, as they want.

Watch our video to see some of our members describing their reasons for getting involved.

what does involvement look like?

Activities vary widely from voting on ideas, commenting on documents, designing public-facing information, taking part in online meetings or attending events.

You will always know what to expect, so you can decide if it is right for you. This includes information on how long an activity will take, what support is available and payments offered.

Here are some examples.

why get involved?

Research is stronger when it reflects real lives. By working with us, you can help:

Shape the questions researchers ask and how studies are designed
Make information and results clearer and easier to understand
Offer insights that data alone can’t provide, making research fair, more relevant and trusted.

People involved often say they benefit too. They can:

Influence research that affects their lives
Learn more about their condition and treatments
Meet others with similar experiences
Share skills and build new ones
Support the NHS and contribute to better healthcare
Feel more positive

WHAT SUPPORT IS OFFERED?

We want everyone to feel comfortable and confident. We offer:

Clear information, guidance and training
Support for accessibility needs
Payment for your time and expenses
Flexible ways to get involved, online or in person
A friendly team to support you throughout

Interested and want to know more?

Complete our short form or get in touch with Karen and Lee at: btruppi@contacts.bham.ac.uk

You'll receive a friendly reply with current opportunities and the chance to ask any questions you have.

INTERESTED BUT DON'T WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

Sign up here to get regular updates in our research newsletter (emailed every 2-3 months). There is no obligation to get involved – although feedback is always welcome!

Visit the Be Part of Research website if you are more interested in taking part in a clinical trials or studies for your condition.