Personal and Public Involvement in Cancer Research – The NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF)
The NI Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF), supported by NICTN, is a group of people affected by cancer who have a passion for Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in cancer research. Members are both patients and carers, with a wide range of lived experience across a variety of cancers.
The Forum was established in 2011 and since then it has grown to over 50 members. The Chair of the NICRCF is Mr Aidan McCormick.
In 2023 a NICRCF subgroup for Head and Neck Cancer was also established.
NICRCF members and researchers meet to discuss project ideas, March 2023
Members are committed to the goal of PPI which is to maximise patient benefit through high quality research. This is achieved through researchers and patients/carers working in partnership across the lifecycle of a research project. NICRCF members have been involved in PPI activities with a number of researchers and research bodies and institutions. The members of the Forum meet together at least four times a year. Training and support is available to members.
Members have been involved in activities such as:
- Reviewing and advising on clinical research protocols and patient information leaflets
- Research steering group or committee membership
- Trial Management Group membership
- Co-applicant for research funding
- Advising on the best methods and information to raise patient and public awareness about cancer clinical trials available in Northern Ireland
- Promoting PPI in cancer research
If you are a cancer researcher and you wish to work with the members of the NICRCF, please contact Ruth Boyd NICTN PPI Professional Lead at nictn@belfasttrust.hscni.net
If you are a member of the public affected by cancer more information about becoming a member of the NICRCF is here
Inaugural meeting of the Head and Neck Cancer NICRCF Subgroup, October 2023
NICRCF members and researchers share the platform at a public information evening in Belfast September 2023