Researchers Emma Whittle and Mahboobah Behruznia from the Infection and Acute Care Theme of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre recently visited Green Lane Masjid to speak with local community members about health research and opportunities to get involved.
PIONEER is a key partner in the Infection and Acute Care Theme, supporting research that uses health data to better understand infection and acute illness and ultimately improve care for patients. PIONEER provides researchers with access to secure, research-ready health data and the expertise needed to explore important questions about acute care and infection.
Working with patients and the public is also central to PIONEER’s approach. PIONEER has a strong track record of involving communities in conversations about how health data is used, listening to their views and using these discussions to help shape research and public information.
During the visit, the researchers discussed genomic sequencing, a technology that allows researchers to study genetic information, and how it can be used across different areas of health research, as well as in the study of infections.
The conversation also explored how more people can be made aware of opportunities to take part in and help shape health research. Community members highlighted the value of sharing information through trusted and familiar places, including general practitioner surgeries and community organisations.
For PIONEER and the wider Infection and Acute Care Theme, engaging with communities in this way is important in making research more accessible and ensuring that a wider range of voices can help shape research that aims to improve health and care.
