The Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research supports world class research into mitochondrial disease. Our Centre also strives to be world class at involving patients and the public with our research, thereby allow us to develop an effective research strategy for the benefits of patients. Through engagement we plan to stimulate national and international debate on issues affecting our patients, and to create strategic partnerships with patient and public groups. This will allow us to ensure research advances make a difference to the lives of patients with mitochondrial disease.                                                                                              Our Case Studies

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Patient Engagement

One of the things we value most is our continued relationship with our patients and their supporters and we believe strongly that the whole field will only move forward by us working together.

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Public Engagement

We have participated in a number of public engagement activities ranging from interactive talks at rotary clubs to hands on demonstrations at the Newcastle University organised ‘Matters’ events.        

School Engagement

We are committed to encouraging school children to consider a career in science and to training the next generation of potential scientists. 

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Museum Events

For the last two years we have held a display at the ‘Science Uncovered’ night within the Natural History Museum in London.

Working together

Our staff and students regularly get together to discuss future engagement activities and also to discuss and evaluate previous engagement activities. The meetings are informal and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and best practice for everyone from the Centre.

In order to share our engagement experience we have also presented at events such as:

  • The NCCPE Engage conference which is held in Bristol each year, and provides an opportunity for engagement professionals to come together and share experiences as well as generate new ideas.
  • The MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases Student Retreat 2016, at the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre, Oxford University.
  • The Institute of Genetic Medicine at Newcastle University Student Away Day at The Research Beehive, Newcastle.
  • The Newcastle University Impact Matters event at the Core Newcastle

As well as at our own patient conference and focus groups, and the Wellcome Trust young scientist meeting.

We also have an active engagement working group.

If you are a member of the public, a patient or even a member of staff and have an engaging idea, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Julie Murphy at [email protected].