The CMVM Impact Seed Fund aims to help researchers turn their research and engagement into real-world benefits. Here we profile a number of successful projects that the fund has supported to date.
What is the fund?
In 2023-24, led by Research Impact Manager Lena Lorenz, the fund provided £21,647 from the Strategic Impact Fund (ERO) to support innovative projects with tangible outcomes for communities and the public. Beyond financial support, the fund encourages a culture of collaboration and innovation.
In its first year, the fund received 25 applications, with nine selected for awards of around £2,500 each. A panel of academic and public representatives ensured a fair selection process. Unsuccessful applicants also gained from feedback, helping many secure alternative funding later.
Project profiles
Here is a short overview of some projects funded in the 2023-24 round. Visit the Public Engagement with Research SharePoint site for full project descriptions.
Raising the voice of hEDS and HSD patients for better care pathways
Kathryn Berg and Dervil Dockrell spearheaded the hEDS-START project to empower individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). Using interactive workshops and inclusive engagement tools, the project highlighted patient experiences to improve healthcare policies and practices. The outcomes included a parliamentary report and a Scottish Parliament exhibition, driving advocacy for better care pathways.
Read the report: Translating Research into Change, Reporting the Lived Experience of hEDS and HSD in Scotland
The hidden costs of cold homes on children’s health
Livvy Swann’s project tackled the link between under-heated homes and childhood respiratory infections.
The team co-produced a scientific animation with families affected by these conditions, raising awarenress about housing and health inequalities. The project’s success contributed to Livvy securing a prestigious Wellcome Early Career Award, ensuring long-term engagement and research impact.
Homes, heat and healthy kids study
Fighting menstrual stigma with digital storytelling
The Red-y to Talk initiative led by Marianne Watters and the Maybin Lab, in collaboration with the Flow Right PPI group, addressed problematic menstrual bleeding through storytelling workshops.
Participants created personal digital stories, which are now accessible via NHS platforms and have influenced Scotland’s Women’s Health Plan. This project not only reduced stigma but also fostered policy engagement and public awareness.
HOPE | Centre for Reproductive Health
Promoting brain health in Ghana’s young adults
Through a community education event, working with researchers from the University of Cape Coast and University of Education, Winneba, Katie Bridgeman and Sarah Gregory aimed to advance knowledge and awareness of dementia risk factors among young adults in Ghana.
Using localised approaches and partnerships with Ghanaian researchers, the project established a foundation for future studies and global brain health advocacy.
Classroom inclusion through neurodiversity support
The EPIC Think Learn project, led by Sinead Rhodes and Iona Beange, expanded resources for supporting neurodivergent children in classrooms. Co-produced with teachers, the materials promoted inclusivity and understanding of cognitive skills for all students. The program’s success has led to further funding, benefiting thousands of children and educators.
Through a Community Interest Company launched in December 2023, EPIC Think Learn are now also able to sell the resources they created with proceeds being re-invested into future projects to ensure access for those most in need.
Driving pesticide regulation advocacy in India
A collaboration between the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention and local stakeholders in Andhra Pradesh, India, this project focused on pre-production activities for a documentary film.
By reframing messaging around pesticide regulation to align with local priorities, the initiative strengthened relationships with policymakers and advanced environmental advocacy.
COPD research grounded in patient experiences
Tim Walsh, Claire Yerramasu and Gourab Choudhury’s project supported by PPI colleagues Sammy Waite and Carol Porteous centred on understanding the needs of under-served communities living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Through a series of workshops the team have developed a large, diverse engaged COPD group who have been influential in providing insights, describing gaps in provision and supporting grant applications for innovative care pathways, emphasizing co-creation in healthcare innovation.
Demystifying healthcare data for families
The What is Data? initiative by Tsz-Yan Milly Lo and Laura Smith created an animated tool to explain the use of healthcare data in paediatric research. Co-produced with families and young people, the project set a benchmark for inclusive communication in clinical research and inspired future PPI collaborations.
Understanding Healthcare Data & Research for Young People – Animation
Bridging gaps in rare disease research
Focusing on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), Zara Aiken’s project established a patient group to enhance research relevance and accessibility.
Despite challenges in recruitment, the group’s contributions informed ongoing studies and grant applications, underscoring the value of PPI, even in research areas of rare diseases.
Do you have engagement and impact project ideas?
We are hoping to continue the impact seed fund later this year. If you have an idea please contact CMVMImpact@ed.ac.uk
You can also discuss ideas with any of your local public, patient and community engagement and involvement representatives:
Training and support for public engagement research
Email cmvm.communications@ed.ac.uk to get added to the CMVM Public Engagement mailing list to hear about future funding opportunities.
