In the latest of our 60 second interview series, we spoke with Senior Researcher Dr Thomas Kabir, who was recently appointed as Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Academic Lead at NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Oxford Health.
In this article, Dr Kabir shares his background in PPIE, highlighting nearly two decades of experience working with people with lived experience of mental health conditions and mental health researchers.
Dr Kabir discusses his plans for his new role at NIHR BRC: Oxford Health, focusing on strengthening and embedding PPIE earlier in the research process, creating inclusive and safe spaces for collaboration, and widening opportunities for research participants to be involved beyond taking part in studies.
Tell us briefly about your background and what attracted you to taking up this role at BRC: Oxford Health.
I simply love my work. I have been working in PPIE roles for around 18 years now. The role gives me the opportunity to work with people with lived experience and researchers from virtually all areas of mental health.
In simple terms, what is the main focus of your role, and what difference do you hope it will make to researchers across BRC: Oxford Health?
My role is to work with others to lead and support PPIE across the BRC. One of my hopes is that we will see more PPIE in the very early phases of the development of new treatments. This does happen, but not as often as I would like.
What is at the top of your priority list as you step into this position?
I have lots of priorities! But one of them is to ensure that online meetings are safe spaces in which everyone can contribute as much as they are able to.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next phase of work in this role?
I would like to offer the opportunity for everyone who takes part in BRC supported research as a participant to be involved in our work.
What experiences or influences have most shaped your career journey so far?
Being a mental health advocate with a local charity influenced me a lot. It helped me to really understand how NHS mental health services work.
What motivates or inspires you in your work, particularly within health and research?
Sometimes I meet people who have taken part in research studies that I have supported. It is enormously uplifting to listen to people who have done well after receiving treatments that I have helped to develop in any way.
Outside of work, what helps you switch off or keeps you grounded?
Using NHS health services myself keeps me grounded. I like watching YouTube travel vlogs to relax.
