#LetsTalkLabs - Young people must have a say in 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).

Ahmad is a 25-year-old student and member of Voice Up, Vocal’s young people research advisory group ensuring young people’s voices are heard in research at both Manchester BRC and Manchester CRF. As part of #LetsTalkLabs, he brought together Voice Up members with Nisha and Polly from the Manchester BRC to have open conversations about laboratory research.

Read more below about why he says #LetsTalkLabs, his perspective on laboratory-based research and more.

What do you think of laboratory research?

Before I joined the project, I had quite a narrow view of laboratory research. I thought it was more just in the lab, restricted to maybe a person in a white lab coat. Since joining the project, I've realized that it's actually a much broader and bigger picture. There will be things that happen before the actual laboratory research takes place. For example, they might speak to a group of people and get their opinion on it to help design it. After the research, they'll again speak to people affected and ask them what their perspectives on the research or how to share the information with different groups. I believe laboratory research is really important and that young people should be involved in it!

Why did you decide to join Let’s Talk Labs?

What have you discovered about laboratory research?

One thing that really surprised me about laboratory research was the huge team involved. For example, you have the laboratory technicians, but then you also have teams that are involved in recruitment. You have teams that are involved in reviewing the data, others that are involved in getting it out there and teams that oversee the whole project. So it is a very team-based project, and it's not just restricted to a few individuals.

What are you taking away from getting involved in Let’s Talk Labs?

The project has benefited me in a range of ways. I’ve worked on my people skills as I’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of people on the project, navigating different opinions and perspectives. I've also worked on my communication skills, my team working skills, and then have learnt more information about this area of research. Before this project, I didn't know too much about laboratory research, and by getting involved I've kind of filled those gaps in my knowledge. And then from the media production side, I've had an opportunity to work with a media production specialist, who taught me lots of useful hints and tips. Since the project I feel like I have an increasing interest in media, and I think I can really use all of these skills.

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.