Our Public Advisory Group plays a central role in shaping our work, from influencing key decisions to improving the clarity and accessibility of our materials. The group’s valuable insights help to highlight the needs and priorities of patients and the public, as well as promote trust and transparency.
Case studies
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Our first five years
Over the first five years of the BHF Data Science Centre between 2020 and 2025, our public contributors helped to lay the foundations for meaningful public involvement across all our work.
Below are some examples of outputs from across those first five years.
Smartphones and wearables
- The group co-designed a clear, accessible poster to be presented the HDR UK Conference in October 2025 highlighting all the PPIE activities and influence across the Smartphones and Wearables workstream.
- In 2024, public contributors co-designed communication outputs to share the findings of scientific report with members of the public. One public contributor shared their real-life patient story to highlight the findings. Read more here.
- In 2023, public contributors co-produced a public survey to help us understand what data members of the public would be willing to share through a smartphone and/or wearable.
- In 2022, we hosted a public webinar to engage the public in questions around the logistics and ethics of using wearables to help detect heart conditions. A report of the webinar, including responses to the interactive Q&A session, reflections, and an overview of the work in this area can be read here
Imaging
- Public contributor presented at the British Cardiovascular Society Conference in June 2025, to discuss their role in the Open Challenge steering group and importance of public involvement across imaging data research.
- In 2024, public contributors were invited to join our Open Challenge steering group.
- Public contributors co-produced a public survey to gather priorities for cardiovascular research.
- Public contributors co-presented a patient voice and cardiovascular research priorities webinar in February 2023
Diabetes Data Science Catalyst
- In 2024, public contributors co-developed a patient and public engagement event. We heard from patients living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They shared their input helping us shape our research plans.
- In 2023, public contributors joined a call for funding panel and provided expertise. They scored applications and reviewed awardee progress reports to ensure the patient and public voice was represented. Read our case study here.
CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium
- Public contributors provide advise and contribute to various projects to ensure PPIE is integral to the CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT work.
- They have contributed to the development of a ‘ways of working’ document to help guide researchers ensuring they consider PPIE.
- Provided guidance on more than 68 CVD COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT research projects, and counting.
Stroke Data Science Catalyst
Public contributors joined a call for funding panel and provided expertise when reviewing applications ensuring the patient and public perspective was considered.
Cohorts
Public contributors helped develop frequently asked questions designed for the public which will feature on a Trusted Research Environment (TRE) platform.
Kidney Data Science Catalyst
Public contributors contributed to a survey for the public and researchers to gather priorities for cardiovascular and kidney disease research.
Public Advisory Group meetings
Learn more about our Public Advisory Group and quarterly meetings.