Usher Institute

Take part

Many of the studies at the Usher Institute involve members of the public. Find out how you may be able to take part.

Participate

Research participants are members of the public who agree to participate in an approved study, and who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. 

Participation may take many forms; for example being interviewed, or receiving a novel form of treatment or care as part of an evaluation, or clinical trial.

Thank you to all those who have participated in our research in the past.

Be involved on research teams

Involving and engaging members of the public in our research is an important part of our work. We host Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups that are open to members of the public with a particular interest in our research. These public volunteers work with our researchers to ensure that our research remains relevant, to help us to communicate our activities and to help plan and design the research of the future.

Some of our current Patient and Public Involvement groups are listed below.

Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research - Patient and Public Involvement

We have a Patient Advisory Group that includes over 130 people across the UK.  This group often provides feedback for our research programmes, as well as supporting other projects. Volunteers have opportunities to be involved at every step of the research process, from grant applications to the design of study materials, and sharing information about research findings.

We are keen to involve patient and lay volunteers in as many ways as possible, offering flexible ways of contributing. We find that many people enjoy creative opportunities such as helping at Science Festivals, networking with our researchers or designing leaflets.

Read more on the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research website

BREATHE Curiosity Group

BREATHE - Health Data Research Hub for Respiratory Health is enabling the use of health data in cutting-edge research and innovation, to address respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.

BREATHE works closely with patients and the public to make sure health data is used transparently and responsibly, and delivers the most impact for those with respiratory conditions.

Read more on the BREATHE website

Join us for public events

Our researchers often take part in science festivals, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and other events throughout the year.

Many of our events are open to the public. Check our events page for upcoming seminars, talks and other events. 

If you are interested in joining any of the listed events but you are not sure on any details, or if they are open to you, please simply get in touch with us via email to usher.communications@ed.ac.uk

Usher Institute Events