Public Perception of Metastatic Breast Cancer Research
Introduction
Research Area:
Cancer/ Public Perception/ Science Communication
What is the research about?
This research is part of a doctoral thesis named ‘Cancer Research: Understanding Perceptions, Innovating Communication and Fostering Inclusivity’. The project responds to the need to improve public understanding of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) and its research. The project adopts a co-creation approach to identify societal knowledge gaps and test communication strategies to address them. The ultimate objective is to provide the public with a realistic understanding of the scope and limitations of biomedical research and of the metastatic disease itself.
What will PPI contributors do?
PPI members will help review survey materials to ensure they are relevant, participate in focus groups to discuss research priorities, and help design new ways to share metastatic cancer research with the public. They may assist with analysis and dissemination if interested. Their involvement enhances the research’s ethical integrity and strengthens the credibility and impact of the results.
(As a summary). PPI members will share their expertise in three separate sessions.
Survey review: Reviewing a draft survey instrument to ensure its robustness and sensitivity before distribution. Workshop around 2 hours.
Focus groups: Participating in a 75–90-minute group discussion to define research priorities and document how patient feedback shapes the study design.
Brainstorming session: Taking part in an online session to co-design new ways of explaining complex topics, such as immunotherapy, to the public.
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
Attend at least one of the three sessions. The first two sessions (2 hours each) take place on the same day in person. The final session (75 to 90 minutes) is held online.
Contact between meetings:
You will receive updates on the project via email. You may be invited to review research summaries or other communications, but all participation is completely voluntary.
Length of involvement:
Indefinite
Start date for involvement:
25/02/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
Zoom, Teams, Google Meet. If you have not used either of these before, we can talk you through how to set it up and do a trial-run with you.
If in person, explain where:
University College Dublin, Conway Institute. Room tbc.
Other ways of communicating:
+ 34 646 628 612
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Early planning
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
Yes
Closing date to contact researchers:
24/02/2026
Research Team
Contact person:
Aina Amat
University/organisation:
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Contact email:
aina.amati@upf.edu
Researcher background:
Aina Amat is a PhD student with a background in human biology and science communication. Experience in research about public/social perception of different health topics.
Research funder:
This project has received funding from the European Union’s (EU) Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101168661.
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
Please complete this form and click SUBMIT