It was humbling to be recognised and awarded for my contribution to the Social Prescribing research."
- Public contributor, Tony Meacock
The School awarded prizes to the winners of the 'Impactful Contribution in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement' and 'Exceptional Contribution to Patient and Public Involvement' competition at the Showcase on 26 November.
The School celebrates meaningful PPI and public engagement taking place by our researchers and amongst our partners. Earlier this year we held a competition amongst our researchers and public contributors to find the best input made to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in terms of impact, and a second prize for the most outstanding contribution to Patient and Public Involvement. The awards presented at the Showcase are detailed below.
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
In the 'Exceptional Contribution to Patient and Public Involvement' category, researchers showed their appreciation of an impressive number of outstanding public contributors by nominating them for the awards. Again, all nominations were reviewed by involvement and engagement professionals from the university, charity and NIHR sectors. The four shortlisted candidates received their prizes at the Showcase.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Tony Meacock, for his proactive approach, help to increase inclusivity in research and bringing his insights to the attention of the research team.
Amanda Roberts, stood out for the judges for the wide range of activities she is involved in, and they encouraged her mentoring role for new public contributors.
WINNERS
Adele Higginbottom, for her long-term commitment to PPI and how she moved from a public contributor in a volunteering role to an appreciated member of the team.
Marie Lyon, her passion for the topic stood out and the judges felt she made a very impressive contribution to the field, research project and dissemination of research findings.
Impactful Contribution in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
In the 'Impactful Contribution in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement' category, prize winning researchers were selected for their outstanding work in the field of patient and public involvement and public engagement. Researchers could self-nominate, be nominated by peers or by public contributors. The School received numerous nominations, and all were reviewed by public contributors and involvement and engagement professionals from across the university, charity and NIHR sectors.
The shortlisted candidates were presented with their awards at the Showcase event:
3rd prize
Dr Rachel Stocker, Newcastle University, for her great involvement of public contributors in data analysis by making use of role playing. The judges liked the creativity and appropriateness of the methodology and the enthusiasm for the project was felt.
2nd prize
Dr Steven Blackburn, Keele University, for his commitment to, and leadership in PPI in primary care. In particular for his work around the SPCR funded 'Cost and Consequences of PPI in Primary Care Research' study. The judges were impressed by Steven’s long-term commitment which began at a time when involvement and engagement of the public was little known or valued, and his meaningful involvement throughout the full research cycle.
1st prize
Dr Gemma Hughes, University of Oxford for her public engagement project ‘messy realities’ working with a museum to spark discussions on assisted living. The judges valued the collaborative, inclusive and creative approach and how Gemma captured the impact of her project. Gemma’s successful nomination 'Messy Realities: the secret life of technology' can be found here.
The School would like to congratulate all winners and runners-up and thank all those who nominated someone for the prizes.