About the Engagement Ambassadors programme
Engaging with public, patient, and policy audiences is a vital component of academic research. It not only lets us inform and inspire the many audiences who are major stakeholders in our research, but it can also help to shape us as researchers and shape the research that we do. To foster a culture in which engagement can thrive, NDCN has been running the Engagement Ambassadors Programme since 2017. Each year the ambassadors receive formal training in public, patient, and policy engagement and are given lots of opportunity to hone their engagement skills throughout the year.
The Engagement Ambassadors scheme offers places to members of the Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Experimental Psychology, and The Podium Institute, who are trained together in a joint cohort.
About the ambassadors
Zoe Williams is a first year DPhil candidate in Clinical Neurosciences: "I am researching how interactions between immune cell and injured neurons, drive or resolve neuropathic pain. This project is in collaboration with Elasmogen working with their proprietary soloMER technology, nanobody-like molecules, to develop molecules tools that detect specific neuro-immune events for use as biomarkers or in therapeutics. I wanted to become an ambassador because, alongside doing science, I love finding new ways to communicate research as sharing scientific understanding and inspiring curiosity is something I am deeply passionate about."
Hannah Wisniewska is a research assistant in Clinical Neurosciences, conducting research within the Experimental and Clinical Sleep Medicine group, under the Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute: "The focus of our current project is the comparison of two behavioural sleep improvement programmes to understand which is more effective in improving sleep and mental health, and to understand by what mechanisms they do this. I applied to be an ambassador as I am passionate about incorporating lived experiences into research to develop relevant, accessible, and impactful outcomes for the wider community. I also hope to inspire the next generation of young people to pursue their aspirations in neuroscience and research."
Isobel Cabraal is a research data analyst working in the Myasthenia Gravis Research Group at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience: "My work uses real-world data from the UK Myasthenia Database (UKMyDB), clinical audits, and electronic health records to study the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune neuromuscular condition. Our research group has several patient events and webinars planned for next year, and I am very excited to become an Engagement Ambassador so I can best support patient involvement and co-production in our work."
Helen Collins is a postdoctoral researcher at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit: "My research uses preclinical mouse models to explore how brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine, work together in the striatum to guide goal-directed behaviours. I also investigate how these signals are disrupted in brain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. I am passionate about improving public understanding of science, including preclinical work. I applied to become an Engagement Ambassador because I want to build confidence in communicating neuroscience with a general audience and work with the other Ambassadors to lead fun and impactful events."
Sarah Almutawa is a DPhil student in Clinical Neurosciences investigating diseases of the cerebellum with the Becker Group: "My research project aims to describe early-disease changes in a mouse model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2. I became an engagement ambassador to try to bridge the gap between the public and science by demystifying the research we conduct and consequently increasing the public's trust in science. Through this program, I hope to better communicate my work and inspire young students to consider pursuing STEM, while also tapping into their innate curiosity about the world around them, in a way that might not be possible in a formal classroom setting."
Lin Sun is a medical doctor, Clarendon Scholar and DPhil student at NDCN. He studies the neurological basis of language, both in healthy people and in patients who have a language deficit (dysphasia or aphasia) secondary to stroke or dementia. He hopes to engage with patients with aphasia to encourage their participation in neurolinguistic research to understand how language manifests and consequently improve how we diagnose and manage aphasia.
Aleema Iqbal is a DPhil Student in Clinical Neurosciences: "My research focuses on the immunobiology of primary brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma, with the aim of informing the development of more effective immunotherapies. Despite decades of research, prognosis for glioblastoma patients has remained largely unchanged for over 30 years, and this is a major motivator for my work. As a first-generation student, I recognise how limited exposure to academia and research careers can shape aspirations at an early stage. Through engagement, I aim to share my enthusiasm for science and contribute to making research more accessible and inclusive."