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Wolfson Institute of Population Health
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Patient and Public Involvement at the Wolfson Institute of Population Health

The Wolfson Institute of Population Health, part of Queen Mary University, conducts a wide range of health research. We have six different centres that specialise in the research of dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, cancer, women’s health, mental health, and everything in between.  

Our centres are located across Whitechapel and Charterhouse Square campuses, and we are proud members of the east London community. We are committed to including the voices of the public in our work, through patient and public involvement (PPI). We strive to deliver research that is fair, useful and informed by what matters most to people from all backgrounds. 

What is Patient and Public Involvement and why is it important?  

Patient and public involvement (PPI) means research that is done with or by patients and members of the public, rather than to, about or for patients and members of the public.  

PPI involves patients and members of the public contributing their ideas to shape how research is planned and carried out. This is different from research participation, where individuals take part in a study or clinical trial (e.g. by completing a questionnaire, participating in an interview, or enrolling as a clinical trial participant). 

PPI is an essential part of health research as it makes sure that views and experiences of people who live or have lived with health conditions, and use health services are included in the design of research.  

PPI can increase the quality and impact of research, as researchers may not have experience of living with a health condition or attending a health service. Your views can help researchers to see things differently, and think of ideas that they wouldn’t have on their own.  

Researchers know about different health conditions, and how to treat them, but most will not have lived through them. The benefits of research may also be different for people with different backgrounds or lived experiences. Incorporating different perspectives from people of various backgrounds to shape research can make it it more relevant and impactful for patients and the public. 

PPI contributors are a valuable part of research, and their time, effort, and experience will be compensated. 

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