Jane

My journey with PIER began in 2017. when I attended my first research event, hosted by PIER. I met the late Tricia Moate, she inspired me to join.

During the pandemic, PIER introduced members to Voice, a platform showcasing UK research opportunities. Voice led to my joining the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Care Research Centre’s Advisory Board.

In 2024, I completed PIER’s ‘Having a Voice’ course, which advised participants to proactively connect with researchers. This approach led to an invitation to join a scientific advisory panel running until 2027. PIER’s Research Officer also facilitated a collaborative meeting with myself and a public participation manager to review issues with research opportunities.

This year’s opportunities include being appointed as a community researcher with Southampton University, an opportunity promoted by PIER. I completed a training programme and am now undertaking my own mini research project – thanks to the incredible support of fellow members who volunteered for interviews. I will be presenting the findings to policymakers and researchers in November 2025. I am also looking forward to joining this year’s PIER ‘Having a Voice’ course, as a facilitator- another first. A huge thank-you both to PIER for giving me a voice and to my amazing fellow members.