Public and Patient Involvement, Engagement and Participation in OCDEM

Over recent years, we've been proud to take part in a variety of outreach and engagement activities that invite members of the public and prospective students into the world of science, celebrate the diversity of people behind it, and ensure our work stays rooted in real-world needs.

In October 2024, we joined the IF Oxford science festival with our 'Your Cells and Sugar' stand — a free, family-friendly activity that used simple, hands-on demonstrations to explain how sugar moves through the body. We also took part in the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Discovery Day, welcoming families and young children to explore science in a relaxed and engaging setting. These events are part of our wider mission to make science approachable and show that anyone can have a future in research. Through the In2Science programme, we've also hosted students from underrepresented backgrounds, giving them first-hand experience in the lab and the chance to speak directly with mentors about careers in STEM.

We also recognise that the people most affected by our research — patients and the wider public — are essential partners in shaping it. In September 2024, we met with the Winchester Diabetes Support Group to deliver a seminar on 'Shedding Light on Insulin: Microscopy Tools in Research'. These sessions are more than just updates; they're opportunities to listen, answer questions, and better understand how our work can inform and improve future care. OCDEM hosts circadian-focused workshops for night shift workers, led by Professor David Ray, to explore how research on body clocks intersects with the health challenges faced by those working an adjusted schedule. Through regular patient and public involvement (PPIEP), we ensure our research is informed by lived experiences and directed toward outcomes that truly matter.