Are you interested in participating in a citizen science research project on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? The project is for 2 years.
What is citizen science?
This involves the public participating in scientific research and collaborating with scientists to increase scientific knowledge.
What is the STEP CHANGE project?
The research is part of the STEP CHANGE project, which is an EU-funded international research project. Its goal is to understand how public participation can enhance the research process.
STEP CHANGE includes five Citizen Science Initiatives. Citizen Science Initiative 2 (CSI-2) is led by researchers affiliated with the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. CSI-2 focuses on a clinical study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly looking for people who have:
– Personal interest in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and/or obesity.
– Experience and interest in weight loss programmes, physical activity interventions, or other lifestyle changes and interventions (e.g., diet control, nutrition, and health and fitness).
– Willingness to learn and gain hands-on experience in undertaking research and writing research articles.
No previous research experience needed. Training will be provided where necessary. As most of the work is expected to be completed online, access to a computer with internet connection will be necessary.
We would welcome interest from adult citizens (18 years and over). We are looking for people from varied socio-demographic and ethnic backgrounds. Citizen scientists can be patients, carers, professionals, or any other member of the public.
What would I need to do?
Citizen scientists would be involved in any of the following research activities:
1) Review and update of data collection tools i.e., questionnaire surveys and reflective diaries by the patients taking part in the lifestyle and weight loss programme.
2) Analysis and interpretation of fully anonymised qualitative and quantitative data about the experiences and reflections of patients participating in the lifestyle and weight loss programme.
3) Synthesis of the research findings, drafting of manuscripts for scientific publications.
4) Writing policy recommendations and research project reports.
5) Evaluation of the research study.
Citizen scientists would be required to attend monthly or quarterly meetings of the Oxford research team and some meetings of the STEP CHANGE Project.
Currently all meetings are held online but there is a possibility of meeting face to face depending on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contributions will usually be made on an individual basis. Sometimes group sessions/meetings may be organised e.g., to introduce the project, to attend STEP CHANGE meetings with international team members, to discuss study progress, or to deliver necessary training. There will be flexibility and alternative arrangements, such as access to recordings of sessions and meeting notes. One-to-one meetings will be offered if necessary.
If you are interested…
If you are interested or have any questions about volunteering to be a citizen scientist, please contact Dr Sarwar Shah via email: sarwar.shah@ouh.nhs.uk – he would love to hear from you.
Reimbursement
• Participation in the project will be voluntary and free of charge. You will not be paid for your contributions.
• If you attend a meeting in person, we will reimburse your travel and refreshments expenses (e.g., economy class travel by public transportation).
• If a citizen scientist is responsible for caring for someone, replacement costs will be covered according to the NIHR guidelines.
Date required
Ongoing.
Organisation
NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford
Contact
Dr Sarwar Shah
Senior Research Fellow
NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford
Email: sarwar.shah@ouh.nhs.uk