The Kennedy Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Arthritis UK and Orthopaedic Research UK to fund LIFT- the Listening, Involving, and Forging Trust in Musculoskeletal Research collaborative programme.
This new UK-wide programme will establish a Patient Voice Network designed to strengthen, diversify and expand patient and public involvement in musculoskeletal (MSK) research. It aims to champion inclusivity by improving engagement and ensuring that lived experience from a wide range of backgrounds shapes research at every stage.
This programme will address barriers faced both by communities in taking part in Public and Patient Involvement (PPEI) activities and researchers in accessing guidance, support and funding to carry out meaningful involvement, to and ensure more consistent and accessible PPIE support across the MSK research community.
The five-year LIFT programme brings together leading experts in lifespan MSK PPIE and a broad group of public contributors to create an inclusive, UK-wide Patient Voice Network.
The programme will focus on improving access for underserved communities, supporting researchers who struggle to engage with PPIE – particularly those in laboratory-based environments, providing guidance, training, and small funding pots to support early involvement and sharing learning and best practice across the MSK research community, with particular attention to ensuring equitable access across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
To achieve this, LIFT will:
- Build accessible UK-wide PPIE infrastructure, giving all researchers – regardless of seniority, geography, or research setting – access to people with lived experience
- Strengthen support for pre-award PPIE to help researchers develop stronger, more inclusive proposals
- Embed and share best practice through practical tools, training, and resources
Together, these actions will increase both the quality and quantity of meaningful involvement in MSK research.
Dr Stephen Simpson, CEO, The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research said:
The Kennedy Trust is delighted to be working in partnership with Arthritis UK and Orthopaedic Research UK to support the LIFT programme. By establishing an inclusive, UK-wide Patient Voice Network, we will strengthen connections between researchers and people living with MSK conditions, particularly those from underserved communities, ensuring more meaningful and consistent involvement.
