On 9th July, we met again with members of our Patient and Public Advisory Group to canvass their views on the Unit’s research direction and plans. The Advisory Group is made up of people with lived experience, as patients and carers, of diverse neurological and psychiatric conditions. The meeting started with Unit Director Professor Peter Magill giving a summary of a 15-year collective research vision. This was followed by a lively discussion and Q & A session with the Group, moderated by the Unit’s Patient and Public Involvement Lead Associate Professor Melanie Fleming. Conversations were centred around a range of topics, from patient needs and concerns to research priorities and on to emerging neurotechnology options for therapy.

Professor Magill commented, “Proactively involving the public helps ensure that our research tackles the most important healthcare challenges in the right ways to give greatest impact. The conversations with our Advisory Group were constructive and decisive, and their insights and steer were once again really helpful.”

Professor Fleming added, “This second meeting was another valuable opportunity to reflect on some key issues, and we look forward to working with our public partners again soon.”