Collaboration with the Centre For Translational Medicine
We are excited to be exploring a new collaboration with the Centre for Translational Medicine at King’s College London (KCL), with a shared commitment to enhancing public involvement in health research.
What is "translational medicine"?
Translational medicine is about turning scientific discoveries into real-world medical treatments, tools, and health improvements. It focuses on “translating” research into practical outcomes, such as new medicines, diagnostics, or ways to prevent diseases, that directly benefit patients and communities.
Our discussions have centred around co-developing a programme of activity that places community voices at the heart of science.
One of the first steps we have taken is getting involved with the interview process for the KCL’s Pre Doctoral Clinical Research Excellence Fellowships (CREF), where community members acted as co-interviewers as part of a wider ambition to diversify who shapes the future of medical research.
Community members, Patrick and Chantal, who are both connected to DRI, worked alongside researchers from the Centre for Translational Medicine to co‑interview candidates applying for research fellowships.
As panelists, they played an active role in evaluating how applicants planned to involve the public in their research. They were able to bring their lived experience to the interview process, asking practical questions and offering their insights. Their contributions were welcomed as equal to those of academic panelists and helped assess how well candidates understood the importance of inclusive, community-engaged research.
This marked the beginning of DRI’s wider involvement with the Centre and set a collaborative tone for future projects. It also demonstrated how public voices can help shape research from the very beginning, ensuring it remains relevant and accountable to the communities it aims to serve.
You can find out more about Patrick’s and Chantal’s experience in this blog.
Future community engagement plans
We are exploring innovative ways to engage local people in London and support their understanding of scientific processes. This includes plans to collaborate with the Science Gallery to tell the story of what happens to biological samples, potentially resulting in a travelling exhibition that reaches schools and community centres.
Another exciting area of discussion is supporting the national Pint of Science initiative by helping KCL reach underrepresented communities through accessible venues and storytelling, which would help break down barriers to public engagement in research.
Finally, we are contributing to the development of a structured Public Involvement Training (PPIE) offer, drawing on DRI’s existing resources and lived experience.
While this collaboration is still evolving, we are energised by the potential to co-create impactful, community-led approaches to science and health research.