Interested in research?

[BethanyBateman]

Did you know that the British Lung Foundation started life as a research charity? We still spend around a million pounds every year on research projects and one of our most exciting challenges is deciding which projects we should fund.

So we thought we’d ask for your help. We’re looking for a new patient/carer member to join our research committee.

You’d need to read applications at home and share your thoughts with our Head of Research, Ian, and the rest of the committee. Then about twice a year, you would join us here in London to discuss the applications and help us decide what projects to fund next.

If you’re interested in joining the committee, you can find the application for here: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rescom...

The deadline for applications is the 22nd of January. All applications will be considered and a decision made by the end of the month.

And if you want more information, just give me a shout.

Best wishes,

Bethany

[sassy59]

Great idea Bethany but l wouldn't be up for travelling to London twice a year. Hope you get some applicants though. Xxx

[BethanyBateman in reply to sassy59]

Thanks Sassy!

[Hidden]

Am intreated but am bias into dna genetics.

But thats not bad thing as this loads of data sharing advances being made.

TIME did great piece on DNA errors and evolution.

But like sassy a don't travel well BUT am great arm chair critic

[naresh62]

Hi Bethany,such a good idea unfortunately don't travel at best of time I'm sure a suitable candidate will be found,all the best and a Happy New Year to you all take care God bless naresh62x

[BethanyBateman in reply to naresh62]

Thanks Naresh. Happy New Year to you too!

[Billiejean_2]

Well now Bethany I'd apply in a flash but it might be a bit expensive paying for my flights

[mrsmummy in reply to Billiejean_2]

Of course they will pay for your flights - because you're worth it!

[Billiejean_2 in reply to mrsmummy]

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi Bethany

Love the inclusion of patients which some pioneering groups eg ERS are now adopting and realising the importance of a patient's perspective.

I have a few questions if that's ok.

1. How many hours do you envisage will be involved?

2. Would some of the work be done by email/telecon?

3. Will this be ongoing or is it for a specific period?

4. How will the group ensure that someone with a personal interest in a

particular condition will not be open to research into any other

lung conditon?

Many thanks Bethany

cx

[BethanyBateman in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Hi Cofdrop,

Great questions all round.

Most of the work will be done by email and there may be some work by teleconference if it's appropriate.

I see you've found the time span but for anyone else reading this, it's a three year period.

Questions 1 and 4 will have to go to Ian, our Head of Research. Unfortunately he's not in today but I'll email him and let you know what he says when he gets back to me.

I hope that's ok!

Best wishes,

Bethany

[BethanyBateman in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Sorry for the late response Cofdrop. I've just caught up with Ian and he's given me some more details for you.

It's difficult to say how many hours as it depends on how many applications we receive and how quickly an individual works. A ballpark figure would be 40 hours a year spent reading and completing evaluations. (This would be carried out in two chunks – individuals can decide how they want to complete the work i.e. it doesn’t have to be hours and hours done all at once, so long as they meet the deadline for returning their evaluations/scores).

Then the awards meeting is likely to be 6 hours long (a day in our London office). We may have an additional one day meeting, so looking at total of around 60 hours a year max (very rough estimate!)

It's very important to us that people aren't biased when they're recommending what research should be funded.

Therefore, academic members are not allowed to evaluate applications from their own institution.

On top of this, we work on a scoring basis when we're shortlisting and when we're making funding decisions, taking the average of everyone's scores. That way one member can't overly influence the final decision.

I hope this makes sense but let me know if you have any questions. And if you want to chat to me on the phone, our helpline can put you through to me. (03000 030 555).

All the best,

Bethany

[cofdrop-UK]

Just had a brief look at the first page of the application form and note it is for a 3 year period.

cx