Patient, Public and Community Engagement - University of Birmingham

At the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, we believe that the best research is carried out in partnership with the people and communities it aims to benefit.

Our research spans fundamental discovery science through to clinical and translational research, advancing understanding of metabolism, endocrinology, maternal and reproductive health. From investigating the biology of hormones and metabolism to improving diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with endocrine and metabolic conditions, our research aims to improve health across the lifespan.

Patients, public contributors and communities are central to this mission. By working collaboratively with people who have lived experience, local communities, schools, charities and healthcare partners, we ensure our research addresses real-world priorities, reflects diverse perspectives and delivers meaningful benefits for society.

Patient and public involvement and community engagement are embedded throughout our research. They are not activities that happen alongside research—they are integral to how we design, deliver and share excellent science

Why engagement matters

We believe that research is stronger when it is informed by the experiences and perspectives of the people it seeks to benefit.

Working with patients, families and communities helps us ask better research questions, improve study design, make our research more inclusive and communicate scientific discoveries in ways that are relevant and accessible. It also helps ensure that new knowledge is translated into improvements in healthcare, policy and everyday lives.

As part of the University of Birmingham, our work contributes to the University's civic mission and aligns with its Public and Cultural Engagement Strategy, which places collaboration, co-production and partnership at the heart of research and education.

The University's commitment to public engagement has been recognised through the award of the NCCPE Gold Engage Watermark, providing an outstanding environment in which our researchers can develop innovative and impactful approaches to patient and public engagement.

Our approach

We are committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people and communities connected to our research.

Our engagement activity includes:

involving patients and people with lived experience throughout the research process
working alongside local communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands
inspiring young people to explore careers in science, medicine and healthcare
collaborating with charities, schools, healthcare providers and community organisations
using creative approaches to make complex biomedical research more accessible
supporting researchers to embed high-quality patient and public involvement across all stages of research.

Whether through laboratory open days, community festivals, school workshops, patient advisory groups, public lectures, science festivals or creative collaborations, our aim is to create genuine opportunities for dialogue, shared learning and partnership.

Patient and Public Involvement

Patient and public involvement means carrying out research with people rather than for or about them.

People with lived experience make valuable contributions throughout the research lifecycle by helping researchers to:

identify important research questions
shape research priorities and study design
improve participant information and communication materials
join advisory groups and research teams
interpret research findings
communicate research to wider audiences
ensure research reflects the needs of diverse communities.

By embedding lived experience throughout our research, we strengthen the quality, relevance and impact of our work. Visit the Public Involvement Hub to learn more.

Community Engagement

Alongside patient involvement, we are committed to building meaningful relationships with communities.

Our researchers work with schools, families, charities, community organisations and cultural partners to make research into metabolism, endocrinology, maternal and reproductive health more accessible. We believe that everyone should have opportunities to engage with science, ask questions, share experiences and contribute to conversations about health research.

These partnerships help us reach diverse audiences, inspire future scientists and ensure our research reflects the communities we serve.

Engagement in Action

Lived experience volunteers help raise awareness of PCOS research at the Birmingham Mela Festival
MSS Postgraduates and staff collaborate on community outreach activities at CoCoMad Festival
Young visitors explore how to keep blood sugar in balance using our insulin and glucagon ball game
MSS researchers set up interactive activities exploring the exciting world of cells
MSS researcher engages young visitor with a fun science activity exploring cell science

Every year our researchers work with thousands of people through public events, patient partnerships, community collaborations and creative projects. These activities showcase our research while creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Explore some case studies of engagement and involvement activity from our department below.

Raising awareness of diabetes and metabolic health

Research into diabetes and metabolic health is a major strength of the Department, and public engagement plays an important role in sharing this research with communities.

Throughout the year—and particularly during Diabetes Awareness Month—our researchers organise activities that help explain the science of diabetes, hormones and metabolism through interactive experiments, family events, community festivals and public webinars. We have worked closely with Diabetes UK, schools and community organisations to create engaging opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about diabetes research and healthy living.

Our activities increasingly explore wider themes in metabolic and reproductive health, including gestational diabetes, women's health and health inequalities. Recent initiatives have included an innovative Health Hackathon that brought together young people, researchers, digital specialists, artists and people living with diabetes to co-design digital resources that communicate research through creativity, technology and lived experience.

Creativity meets Biomedical Research

Visitor at Lore + (Dis)order exhibition steps into immersive hanging artwork which creatively explores flow cytometry
Exhibition visitors interact with a 3D digitally enhanced sculpture that explores the inner workings of a cell and the process of mutation
Artwork from the Encoded Realities exhibition which features a drusen crystal suspended in water with a dynamic wall projection showing eyes affected by macular degeneration
A busy opening night for the Frames of Discovery gallery opening
Parent and child at Frames of Discovery exhibition explore textile artworks exploring neurons and brain imaging

We believe creativity can transform how people engage with science.

We have pioneered an Artists in Residence programme, with artists working alongside researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience from the earliest stages of research. Together they explore complex biomedical questions through visual art, photography, film, installation and digital media, creating new ways for public audiences to engage with research.

This interdisciplinary programme has brought together researchers from across medicine, engineering, mathematics, psychology and computer science and has resulted in a series of successful public exhibitions, including Lore + (Dis)order (2022), Encoded Realities (2024) and Frames of Discovery (2025).

This innovative initiative was recognised in 2025 when MSS researcher Dr Caroline Gillett, who established this sci-art programme, received the University of Birmingham's prestigious Light of Understanding Award, celebrating outstanding public engagement and creative collaboration.

Working with patients to improve research and care

MSS researchers gives a talk on PMOS for refugee and migrant women as part of our community engagement programme for improving women's health and reducing health inequalities
Students leave post-it notes describing their learning at an outreach and STEM careers workshop
MSS researchers and PPIE members engage the public at Community Day on campus to raise awareness of women's health research
Researcher Professor Niki Karavitaki and patient Dani give a joint talk at a Pituitary Patient Open Morning at the QEHB

Patients and people with lived experience are essential partners in our research.

Across many areas of the Department's work—including adrenal disease, pituitary disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), reproductive endocrinology and maternal health—our researchers work closely with patients, clinicians and charities to deliver regular engagement events that combine research updates, patient experiences and opportunities for discussion.

These events provide opportunities for patients and families to influence future research, improve healthcare services, contribute to educational activities and help shape the translation of research into clinical practice. By embedding lived experience throughout our work, we ensure that research remains focused on the priorities that matter most to the people we ultimately seek to benefit.

A culture of engagement

Our department is part of a University that places public engagement at the heart of excellent research.

Researchers are supported through initiatives including the Birmingham Public Involvement Hub, specialist Public and Cultural Engagement teams, community collaboration networks and professional development opportunities that promote high-quality involvement and engagement.

Together, these initiatives create an environment in which researchers can build lasting partnerships, develop innovative engagement activities and maximise the impact of research into metabolism, endocrinology, maternal and reproductive health.

Get Involved

We are always looking to build new partnerships with patients, public contributors, charities, schools, community organisations and healthcare partners.

Whether you would like to contribute your lived experience to research, collaborate on a community project, attend one of our public events or simply learn more about our work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For specific queries, please contact MSS Communications and Public Engagement Lead, Dr Caroline Gillett.

You can also explore the We Are MSS blog for the latest engagement stories and follow the Department on LinkedIn to hear about upcoming events and opportunities.

Photo credits: Hayley Salter Photography; Caroline Gillett.