Help shape research about bloodborne viruses and sexually transmitted infections

We are looking for ten to twelve people to help shape the plans and direction of the Health Protection Research Unit for Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted infections. This is a partnership between University College London and the UK Health Security Agency, that carries out research to improve how we prevent, detect and respond to sexually transmitted infections in England.  

Background information

The Health Protection Research Unit for Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections (HPRU) is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) until 2030. It is a partnership between University College London and the UK Health Security Agency.  It is set up to carry out high quality research that aims to address sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses at a national level.  

Blood borne viruses (BBVs) are viruses that are carried by some people in their blood and can be passed on from one person to another, and include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are any kind of infection that can be passed on through sexual contact. The Health Protection Research Unit for Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections researches a variety of topics, including understanding how to better prevent blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, addressing barriers to healthcare, and preparing for future outbreaks.  

It is important that the Unit’s research reflects the needs and preferences of the public. Because of this, the Unit is looking for members of the public to help inform and guide future decisions and direction, and to be involved with leadership.  

Ways to get involved

There are two ways you can get involved. You can either join the Public Contributor Panel,  or if you have more time available you can join both the Public Contributor Panel and the Steering Group.  

1.    Joining the Public Contributor Panel

We are recruiting a diverse range of ten to twelve people to join the Unit’s Public Contributor Panel. The panel will be invited to share their views, knowledge and experiences of blood borne viruses and/or sexually transmitted infections to inform its strategic direction.

This may include:  

• Providing feedback and making decisions on research carried out by the Unit  
• Providing feedback on and collaboratively approving research proposals
• Providing oversight and input into how the public are affected communities are involved in the Unit’s work

 This panel will bring together a range of people, each bringing their own unique experiences and views. The purpose of the panel is to ensure that the research carried out by the Unit reflects the needs and priorities of the public.  

We expect the time commitment to be one half-day kick-off meeting, plus about half a day twice a year in meetings which will either take place in London or online (and extra preparation time). There will be options to attend other meetings if interested.  

2.     Joining the Public Contributor Panel and  Steering Group

Additionally, we are looking for two members of the Public Contributor Panel to join the Health Protection Research Unit for Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections Steering Group.  

Alongside being part of the Public Contributor Panel, members of the Steering Group will work more closely with the Unit’s leadership team to ensure that projects stay on track and continue to represent the needs and priorities of the public.  

This may involve:

• Providing feedback and views on current and future research priorities of the Unit
• Being involved in collective decisions about the Unit’s management and future direction of research and training 
• Reviewing proposals and potential funding applications

In addition to the twice-yearly half day, time commitment of the Public Contributor Panel, the expected time commitment of Steering Group members includes:  

• Three half day meetings per year. These meetings may be held online, or in-person in London  
• One full day team meeting per year in-person in London  
• Preparatory reading before meetings

About you

We want to hear from people from many different walks of life who live in England and share an interest in reducing inequalities and improving outcomes in relation to sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses.  

There are particular groups who we are specifically reaching out to:

To ensure that lived experience remains at the heart of our research, we are keen to hear from people with living or lived experience related to blood borne viruses such as HIV Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.  

Additionally, we know that some communities are disproportionately affected  by blood born viruses and sexually transmitted infections. We are therefore  particularly  interested in hearing from people who can identify with one or more of the following, with or without lived or living experience of sexually transmitted infections or blood borne viruses:  

•  From the Global Majority -Black, Brown or other racially minoritised communities  
• Gay and bisexual men who have sex with men
• Living or lived experience relating to sex work, or experience representing the views of sex workers
• Aged between 18 and 24
•  Transgender or gender non-binary
• Living or lived experience of disability (including neurodivergence)

What we offer

Joining our team has the following benefits:

1. Remuneration (£27.50 per hour) for meetings and preparation. We can also offer to cover the following costs, if agreed in advance:

• Travel to London (if meetings are in person)
• £5 per 2-hour meeting to cover internet costs

We can also contribute to and may even be able to cover the following costs if agreed in advance.

• Carer and childcare costs
• Other access requirements  

You will also be supported by project staff (in advance of and during meetings), to ensure that you have what you need to participate fully in meetings.

Next Steps  

If you fit any of the criteria above, and would like to use your experiences or views to help shape research into bloodborne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, we’d love to work with you. If you don’t fit the criteria above but are interested in this research topic and contributing to the Panel and/or Steering Group, we’d also love to hear from you.

To express your interest, please complete this form:  HPRU Expression of Interest Form

The form asks you to tell us:  

• What has motivated you to apply to be a part of the Health Protection Research Unit for Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections Public Contributor Panel? (250 words max)
• If you would like to be considered for the steering group in addition to the public contributor panel
• Why do you think you would be a good fit for this role? (250 words max)

We will select applications based on answers these questions. No prior experience of participating in research or an advisory role like this is required.  If you are not selected it is likely to be because we had several applications from people who shared similar characteristics.  

The deadline to apply is 1 2 noon on Friday 15th May.

We will be in touch shortly after the deadline. If you need assistance submitting your expression of interest, or have any queries about the role, please contact: hpru@ucl.ac.uk

Headline image photo credit: Canva Pro

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