Professor Melanie Welham discusses the importance of communicating research beyond academia, emphasizing the shift in academic engagement with beneficiaries, particularly in stem cell research. She highlights the benefits of involving patients and the public in research, while also addressing barriers faced by both patients in accessing information and academics in understanding patient needs. Strategies such as lay summaries and innovative solutions are suggested to enhance engagement.

1. Communicating research beyond Academia
A researchers perspective
Professor Melanie Welham
Co-Director
Centre for Regenerative Medicine
@Bath_CRM

2. My Background
• PhD in cancer cell biology
• 25+ years of research experience
• Current research focuses on stem cell biology
- how stem cells ‘renew’ themselves
- how to turn stem cells into particular cell types
• Deputy Chair of grant committee for public funder (BBSRC)
• Participated in a number of public engagement events
@Bath_CRM

3. A changing landscape
• Historical changes taking place in academic
research – impact agenda
• Previously – academic researchers reported
their results only to other researchers
• Now - greater emphasis on academics
engaging with beneficiaries
• In stem cell research patient groups are key
stakeholders
@Bath_CRM

4. Benefits of engagement
Engagement
Communication
Patients Tax payers
Young people
value of
better informed more equipped
investment
about advances to judge what it
clear
in science means to them
more likely to
participate
@Bath_CRM

5. Barriers for patients?
• Finding information
• Accessing information
• Technical language
• Complexity
@Bath_CRM

6. Barriers for Academics?
• Need to understand:
– what patients need, want and value
– optimal time for engagement
– best routes to delivery
• Patients Participate! – Lay Summaries
• Innovative solutions and guidance
@Bath_CRM