#LetsTalkLabs - How does laboratory research help people like me?
Find out more about what matters to Mon about laboratory research.
Laboratory or lab-based research is often the first step in research that makes a difference. However, we don’t talk enough about it, so #LetsTalkLabs!
To spark more conversations about this aspect of research, we have partnered with research advisory groups BRAG and Voice Up, people from Greater Manchester and researchers on #LetsTalkLabs, an initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF).
Mon is a woman from Hong Kong who has lived in Manchester since moving here for her degree.
She is part of Wai Yin Society, a charity based in Manchester that supports Chinese women, their families and other communities in the North West of England through services that promote inclusion, education and wellbeing.
In her film she shines a light on Consultant and researcher Fozia’s perspective, preferring to stay behind the scenes and only featuring in the first couple of seconds.
Read more below about why he says #LetsTalkLabs, her perspective on laboratory-based research and more.
Why did you decide to join Let’s Talk Labs?
I wanted to be part of this project because I believe video is a powerful tool for raising awareness and educating people. The topic is meaningful to me, and I saw it as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community by sharing important information about health and research.
What do you think of laboratory research?
What I’ve learned about laboratory research is that it takes place in highly controlled environments designed to eliminate outside variables, ensuring reliable results. This was particularly useful for me as I’m interested in health topics and research. During the project, we had many discussions about public health issues, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which deepened my understanding.
What are you taking away from getting involved in Let’s Talk Labs?
This project has taught me a lot about the importance of teamwork, communication, and creative compromise. I also learned some technical skills, like how to manage camera lighting and understanding the nuances of visual storytelling. Overall, it’s been an important part of my growth as a filmmaker.
Find out more about how laboratory-based research makes a difference on Facebook and X. Visit our opportunities page to find out how you can have your say in research and benefit people in the future.
