Patient and Public Involvement
Why Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is essential for science and society at the IMS-MRL

What is PPI at the IMS-MRL?
- Definition: Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) at the Institute of Metabolic Science – Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) is about actively involving patients, caregivers, and the public in shaping our research that addresses global metabolic health challenges.
- Mission: Through PPI, the IMS-MRL aims to build meaningful connections with the public to drive research that is relevant, impactful, and rooted in real-world needs.
Why is PPI important for science at the IMS-MRL?
- Enhances the relevance of our research: PPI helps IMS-MRL researchers ask questions that address real patient and public concerns about metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Improves research quality: Diverse insights improve study design, leading to more relevant, comprehensive, and applicable findings that directly benefit the public.
- Increases funding success: Public engagement strengthens grant proposals by demonstrating to funders that our research aligns with the priorities of our key stakeholders.
- Supports ethical research: PPI ensures research at the IMS-MRL is respectful, inclusive, and grounded in patient and community needs.
Why is PPI important for patients and the wider public?
- Empowers individuals: Being involved gives patients and their families a voice in shaping research that impacts their health and well-being.
- Builds trust in science: By fostering transparency, PPI strengthens public understanding of our mission and builds trust in our findings.
- Increases awareness and education: PPI enables the public to engage with cutting-edge metabolic science, promoting scientific literacy and awareness of key health issues.
- Improves health outcomes: Research that reflects patient input leads to treatments and recommendations that are practical and effective.
Success Stories of PPI at the IMS-MRL
- Collaborative clinical trials: PPI involvement at the IMS-MRL has made trials more accessible and patient-centred, improving recruitment and retention.
- Raising disease awareness: Through patient and public engagement, the IMS-MRL has amplified awareness of metabolic health issues and driven research on underrepresented conditions.
Testimonial
“At the IMS-MRL, involving patients and the public is not just a courtesy—it’s fundamental to achieving impactful, meaningful science.”
How to get involved
Become part of a research advisory group, participate in public events, or share your insights with us. Together, we can shape a healthier future.
Get in touch with Agnes Lukasik, our PPIE Manager