Health Data Research UK Celebrates Public Contributions at Annual PPI Event in Manchester

Held at Etc. Venues in Manchester, the event welcomed both in-person and remote attendees. Morning plenary sessions offered insights into the breadth and importance of PPI work within HDR UK and the research they fund. Afternoon workshops focused on specialised themes, with interactive sessions only for in-person attendees. 

The opening session, “Showcasing PPIE across HDR UK”, presented a range of examples of PPI in action. This demonstrated how public contributors have helped shape HDR UK’s research efforts. This was followed by “The Role of PPIE in Health Data: Mapping the Journey”, which explored how public contributors have informed and guided health data initiatives. 

The event also featured engaging parallel sessions such as:

• The Use of AI and Technology in Health Data Research, a forward-looking discussion on emerging tools and technologies
• Fostering Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, addressing the need for inclusive research practices
• Exploring Partnerships with Industry, aimed at building impactful collaborations and strengthening PPI approaches.

PPI activities are central to HDR UK’s work. Essentially, PPI ensures that the public have a voice in health data research, a mission that aligns with HDR UK’s commitment to making health data research trustworthy, transparent, and relevant. 

Four members of the Inflammation and Immunity Driver Programme’s PPI team — Dr Tracy Jackson, PPI Lay Leads Karen Mooney, Anna Grosse, and Laura Gonzalez Rienda — attended October’s event. “Our patients and public contributors are central to everything we do,” said Dr Jackson, “without their involvement, we wouldn’t be able to conduct health data research that genuinely serves public interest.”

The Inflammation and Immunity Driver Programme works closely with members of the public to ensure our research is high quality, impactful, and relevant to those it affects. Led by Dr. Jackson, PPI is central to our work, with members meaningfully involved throughout the research process and in the senior management of our programme. 

Their real-life experiences, insights and skills are as valuable as those of our academic and clinical team members. They help us to consider broader implications, refine research design, handle sensitive patient data responsibly, build public trust, and communicate effectively beyond academic and clinical settings.

“For me,” said Anna, “the most valuable takeaway was seeing how my lived experience can inform and improve research practices. Being part of this event made me feel that my voice matters and that I’m contributing to something bigger.”

To learn more about the Inflammation and Immunity Driver Programme’s commitment to meaningfully working with public members, click here.