Join the AMBER Research Project’s e-LEAP!
Do you have personal experience of depression or work with/care for those who do?
We’re looking for people to join our e-LEAP (email-based Lived Experience Advisory Panel).
It’s easy to take part—just click on occasional polls or send short email replies. Your input will help shape the AMBER project, ensuring that lived experience perspectives are included in key decisions.
This is a flexible way to make a difference, complementing our smaller advisory panel (10 people) who meet regularly to take a more in-depth look at the project and the decisions we are making.
Sign-up here or keep reading for more information.
Data Processing Notice
AMBER e-LEAP exists as a mailing list of people who are interested in contributing to depression research in a meaningful way. We are open to people with lived experience of depression, family members, activists, professionals in this area and others who are invested in depression research.
By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from AMBER researchers at The University of Edinburgh regarding opportunities to contribute to research. We will store your email address securely and only use it for the intended purpose. We will hold the personal data you provide us with for the duration of the research project (until June 2028) + 1 year for final reporting and administration purposes. You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time by emailing msomervi@ed.ac.uk.
For further information about how we handle your personal data, please review our Privacy Policy.
More Information About AMBER
What does AMBER mean?
AMBER stands for Antidepressant Medications: Biology, Exposure & Response.
Although antidepressants are one of the most prescribed medications, and clinical trials have demonstrated they are effective, we actually have very little understanding of how they work, why they work and who they might work for.
The AMBER project will investigate how antidepressants work and how we might make prescribing more personalised in the future. Read more about the project on our blog.
Who is conducting the research?
The AMBER project is led from Kings College London (Professor Cathryn Lewis),
but also involves researchers at:
- The University of Edinburgh (Led by Professor Andrew McIntosh, Professor Heather Whalley, and Professor Sue Fletcher-Watson)
- And The University of Queensland (Australia, Dr Sonia Shah).
The e-LEAP and LEAP panel will be led by the University of Edinburgh.
What is the purpose of the e-LEAP?
The purpose of the e-LEAP is to ensure that the AMBER project is carried out in collaboration with people with lived experience of depression and that lived experience perspectives are considered in all project decision-making.
NB: This research project is about depression and antidepressants, which some people may find triggering. If you feel distressed, we would recommend that you use your normal channels for support, including your friends/family/GP or contact The Samaritans.
FAQ
Who is this e-leap for?
We are very open about who can join the e-leap. Most of the activities will be quite general and can be answered by anyone with personal, family or professional experience of depression. If we ever need answers from a specific group, we will be very clear about that in the request.
Will I be paid?
No. Taking part in the e-leap is voluntary and unpaid.
Do I have to answer every question?
No. It is up to you whether or not you respond to each email. There is no pressure to respond every time. We will not remove you from the list unless you ask us to.
How often will you email me?
No more than once or twice a month. Often less.
What format will the questions be in?
This may vary, but may include
- a poll
- a short form with 5 or less questions.
- an email, that you reply to with a few lines of text.
It is completely up to you whether or not you respond to anything we send you.
When does the project end?
Summer 2028. But you can leave the e-leap before then if you wish.
Any other questions, please email Mark Somerville (msomervi@ed.ac.uk)
If you are ready, please Sign-up here.
