The Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum (NICRCF) brings together people affected by cancer to influence cancer research and contribute a consumer perspective to research being conducted in Northern Ireland and beyond. The work of the Forum also includes networking, advocating and planning. The Forum provides a visible focus of Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in cancer research in Northern Ireland.
The NICRCF has over seventy members from across the region who 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.
NICRCF Objectives
- To promote effective consumer involvement in cancer research both regionally and, as appropriate, nationally and internationally
- To promote effective consumer involvement in cancer research across all applicable stages of the research process, and, as appropriate, act as an advisory group for researchers
- To promote consumer membership of relevant committees such as research committees, steering groups, trial management groups and national Clinical Studies Groups
- To provide a forum for identification of consumer training needs and training delivery and evaluation
- To provide a forum to facilitate and maintain communication pathways and networks about news and developments in research and personal and public involvement
- To provide a forum for researchers to formally liaise with the cancer consumer community
- To promote the role of PPI in cancer research
- To promote awareness of cancer research in Northern Ireland
- To monitor and evaluate the contribution of consumer involvement in cancer research in Northern Ireland, and generate recommendations and plan
NICRCF members and researchers meet to discuss project ideas, March 2023
The members of the Forum meet together at least four times a year. 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
Training and support is available to NICRCF members.
NICRCF members and researchers share the platform at a public information evening in Belfast September 2023
If you are a cancer researcher and you wish to work with the members of the NICRCF, please contact Aileen Major, NICTN Cancer Research PPI and Engagement Manager at PPIECancerResearch@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