Public Engagement

We are committed to engaging patients, their families and the wider public with our research on blood diseases. We foster a culture of public engagement within our Unit, and our researchers are encouraged to get involved in a variety of initiatives.

MRC WIMM researchers at the Oxford Curiosity Carnival © Ian Wallman

Patients and carers

Our researchers work closely with patient groups and charities with an interest in their area of research. We organise patient events and also participate in other initiatives, in particular at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where we are located. Read about a recent visit by a MDS Patient Support Group and our participation in the launch of the Oxford Blood Group, a patient group for those suffering from blood diseases.

Festivals and Museums

Over the years we have participated in several science festivals and events in local museums. We recently joined the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, where we used an innovative Virtual Reality activity to talk about DNA folding in health and disease, and also helped turn one of the rooms at the Oxford Natural History Museum into a Blood Factory as part of the Oxford Curiosity Carnival.

Learning about DNA folding using Virtual Reality

Schools and teachers

We regularly visit schools and host work experience students in our labs.

Writing and media

Our researchers have written for The Conversation and the Oxford University Science Blog, and our research has been featured in the national news. We have also worked with designers to create short animations about our research, such as this one about DNA folding.

MRC WIMM researcher talks at Oxford's Cornmarket Street

Talks and lectures

Our researchers present and talk about their research in a variety of settings, from local pubs and high streets to public lectures at the John Radcliffe Hospital.