It was wonderful to visit some of the departments and see the research happening. It really helped me put into context many of the research projects we've heard about at our online meetings.”
C. Philips, group member
12 August 2026
BMEIS PPI Advisory Group comes to St Thomas
Members of the School’s Patient and Public Involvement Advisory Group visited St Thomas’ Hospital for an exclusive look at the research they help shape.
The Patient and Public Involvement Advisory Group in the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences is made up of patients and public contributors who meet online on a regular basis. Members bring a wealth of lived experience of cancer, cardiovascular and neurological conditions, either personally or through supporting family members. Meeting every two months, they provide valuable input into research projects across the School.
The visit offered an opportunity to see the School’s research environment first-hand, helping members gain a deeper understanding of the research process and how their contributions make a difference. It also served as a thank you for their ongoing support, while creating valuable opportunities for members and staff to connect in person, strengthen relationships and get to know one another better.
It was all outstanding. Meeting Annie and the team in person was a highlight and chatting to my fellow patient and public contributors.”
Group member
Highlights of the visit included gaining a first-hand insight into the research journey, from radiochemistry synthesis and pre-clinical testing through to scale-up activities in the Cyclotron and Radiochemistry Laboratory (CARL). Members viewed cells in culture under a microscope, explored the mini-PET and SPECT scanners used in research alongside their full-sized clinical equivalents, and watched a demonstration showing how targeted radiotherapy is used to deliver treatment directly to cancer cells.
The group also visited a cyclotron, where radiotracers and radiotherapeutic agents are produced. As one of only around 20 cyclotrons in the UK, the facility at St Thomas’ Hospital is a unique and valuable resource for both research and patient care.
Three PhD students also demonstrated how they are using 3D printing to advance their research, showcasing applications ranging from components for surgical robotics to realistic anatomical phantoms used in surgical training. The session also gave Advisory Group members the chance to create their own personalised souvenirs to take home.
In between the tours and demonstrations, the group also provided feedback on two research projects, offering their perspectives on tools being developed for bowel surgery and new approaches to artery preparation for angioplasty.
By working with our PPIAG we make sure that any research we do is grounded in the needs and concerns of patients we hope to help. It increases the potential impact of our work, increases the quality and is one way to make sure that new healthcare technologies work for everyone including historically underserved groups.”
Dr Annie Howitt Sprent, Senior Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Officer, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences
Over the past year, the group has provided feedback on more than 20 research projects at various stages of development. Their contributions have helped shape research priorities, refine key research questions, and develop clear, accessible lay summaries for grant applications. They have also identified potential barriers to participant recruitment and offered valuable advice on how to communicate research findings in ways that are engaging, inclusive and easy for the public to understand.
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Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Officer