Information for Workshop Attendees

A priority for the Medical Research Council (MRC) is to build a culture where equitable and inclusive public involvement and engagement is an integral part of research. The views and experiences of public engagement professionals, public involvement specialists, researchers, MRC staff, public partners and key organisations are vital in shaping this future.

The MRC is partnering with Vocal and an External Advisory Group to gather people’s insights, suggestions and views through a series of workshops (June-July 2023). A wider online consultation will follow in the autumn. The new vision and strategic priorities will be finalised in early 2024.

These links provide more context and we may refer to them in the workshops.

• The Shared Commitment to improve public involvement in research

• UKRI Public Engagement Strategy

• Public Involvement Landscape Review A review of public involvement in research with a specific focus on non-clinical health and biomedical research, including within the Medical Research Council (MRC)

• UK Standards for Public Involvement

External Advisory Group

• Angela Ruddock: Public Contributor, Member of Primary Care Research in Manchester Engagement Resource, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research

• Emily Lam: Public Contributor and Advocate with an interest in health research involving people and using their data for better care and outcome

• Emma Dorris: Programme Manager, PPI Ignite Network at University College Dublin (UCD); Research Analytics & Impact Team, UCD Research

• Kaz Obuka: Head of Patient and Public Involvement & Equalities, NHS South West London Clinical Commissioning Group (attending in personal capacity)

• Lynn Laidlaw: Patient Advocate, Co-Investigator COVID Shielding Voices & Lay member of COVID-UK Approvals and Oversight Board

• Maria Lawal: Patient Advocate, Co-researcher on BRIGHTLIGHT study, Cancer Education UK Ambassador, Member of European network of youth cancer survivors, Children’s Author

• Natasha Ratcliffe: Patient Engagement Specialist

• Nick Hillier: Director of Communications & Engagement, Academy of Medical Sciences

• Steve Scott: Public Engagement Lead, UK Research & Innovation

We look forward to seeing you.