Patient involvement in research
Are you someone who has been affected by bowel cancer and wants to shape the future of bowel cancer research? Here, you can learn more about the different ways in which we involve patients in research and how you can get involved too.
What is patient and public involvement in research?
Patient and public involvement means actively contributing to the research process without being a participant in a study or trial.
This could involve working alongside researchers, offering your perspective on how research studies should be designed or carried out and how findings should be shared and applied. You can also work with us to help make important decisions about the research we support.
Why should I get involved?
Patient and public involvement is essential to ensure that bowel cancer research addresses the issues that matter most to our community. It helps to make research ethical and inclusive, reflecting a diversity of perspectives.
In some cases, it can even spark new research ideas — patients and the public often bring fresh approaches to tackling problems that researchers might not have considered. Getting involved can be empowering and you might meet like-minded people or develop new skills along the way!
How can I get involved?
There are several ways you can get involved in research. Our opportunities are open to people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK and you don’t need a background in science or healthcare.
To join our Research Network or Lay Review Panel, you need to have personal experience of bowel cancer. This could mean you’ve been diagnosed yourself (at least 12 months ago), or have a close family member or friend who has been affected. You should also be interested in research, comfortable sharing your views and open to listening to others.
Our Research Network
The Research Network is a virtual group of research involvement volunteers who help shape research studies to focus on the outcomes that matter most to patients while reducing barriers to participation. Here are some ways members get involved:
- Reviewing lay (everyday language) summaries from grant applications or research communications
- Participating in priority setting exercises
- Joining research project steering groups
- Providing feedback on grant proposals and clinical trial design
- Reviewing research participant information
- Co-designing research projects with researchers
Opportunities are shared with the Network as they arise and members can choose which ones to participate in. This makes it a perfect fit for those who want to influence bowel cancer research while staying flexible around their own commitments.
Our Lay Review Panel
The Lay Review Panel consists of patient representatives who play a vital role in deciding which research projects we fund. Panel members contribute by:
- Assessing whether proposed research is practical from a patient’s perspective
- Evaluating how patient involvement and experiences are incorporated into the research
Some members also represent the Panel at our Scientific Advisory Board meetings, working alongside scientists and clinicians to guide funding decisions.
This formal role is ideal for those with previous experience in research involvement who can commit to reviewing funding applications and attending 2–3 virtual or hybrid meetings a year.
Our online forum
If you’re curious about getting involved in research, but not wanting to commit to a volunteer role, our Research and Involvement Opportunities forum page is a great place to start.
Here, we advertise a range of broader research activities such as:
- Opportunities that aren’t specific to bowel cancer
- Chances to get involved directly as a participant (such as surveys or interviews)
- Activities requiring input from larger groups of people
There’s nothing to sign up for or apply to — just check the page whenever it suits you.
If you have any queries, please contact the Research Team at research@bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
