Patient and public involvement
We involve people with lived experience of mental health, the public, patients and carers in our research to ensure it is as relevant and effective as possible. Find out more about how you can get involved in our research on these pages – or if you are a researcher, how we can support you.
AVATAR therapy – photo credit Wellcome
Research helps everyone to understand the world better. In healthcare, it is used to help improve the treatments people receive when they’re unwell. We ensure our research is relevant and beneficial for the people it affects, by involving them at every possible stage of this process. This is called Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP).
Public involvement in research is defined as: “research being carried out with or by members of the public rather than to, about or for them.”
At the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, we are carrying out ‘translational medicine’ in mental health. This means turning findings from research into clinical services and treatments.
People with experience of a mental health condition, service users, carers and members of the public can get involved in research at the BRC in various ways – from taking part in a study to co-production with researchers.
Find out more about how we work with patients and the public, and the opportunities available to get involved below.
Our PPIE team
In this section
Getting involved in research
Find out more about our Advisory Groups and opportunities for patients, service users, carers and the public to shape mental health research.
Take part in research
It’s vital for patients and the public to take part in health or social care research – find out what opportunities are available.
Support for Researchers
Support for researchers looking for help with patient involvement in your study or with recruitment.
Our PPIE strategy for 2022-28
Our strategy outlines how we are bringing people, patients, carers and experts by experience into our research.
How we're working with patients and the public
Explore the different ways we are working with patients, the public and people with lived experience of mental health to shape mental health research – from co-produced projects and papers to engaging the public through arts and events.