At the King’s Health Partners Centre for Translational Medicine, we fund researchers to work on translational research. Translational research aims to bring (or ‘translate’) knowledge and information discovered within research projects into healthcare to provide effective treatments.
As part of this work, two members of the public, Patrick and Chantal, were recently involved as panelists interviewing our pre-doctoral fellowship applicants. Both have connections to our local London communities and Diversity Resource International, a group aiming to build community engagement and development who have played a significant role in supporting recruitment and activities at the centre.
The involvement of these public members is important to ensure that the researchers we fund conduct research that is relevant to what the local populations needs and their involvement also holds the researchers accountable when planning meaningful public involvement within their projects.
After reviewing several applications, focusing their attention on the patient and public involvement and overall research ideas, the public members joined as panelists for the interview process.
Although initially overwhelming with many experts in the room, the overall experience was inspirational and a great learning experience to hear about the different healthcare conditions being presented.
The public panel members were invited to ask candidates questions about their approach to public involvement and engagement and how they plan to integrate public perspectives throughout all stages of their research projects in a new and creative ways.
After each interview, the other members of the panel showed a lot of respect by taking the public member perspectives into account when discussing the applicants and research plans. The panel weren’t judgmental about expertise and did a great job at making the public members equal members of the panel.
Based on the interview experience, the public member panelists recommend four key considerations for researchers planning translational research projects.
Overall, the public members enjoyed their experience and would recommend that others get involved even if they feel as though they may not be qualified enough. Their input on the panel was important to recognise non-academic skills that can often be overlooked within a purely educational setting. This can move research towards a more person-centered approach that focuses on how patients can benefit by considering their experiences and priorities.
Read about the work of the Centre for Translational Medicine
If you would like to be involved in the work of the Centre for Translational Medicine, please email translationalmedicine@kcl.ac.uk, where Sarah works.