In this session, we explore how to approach writing a Lay Summary with Researchers Nadine Mirza & Russell Chander and Carer and Co-host Andrew Cornwall, who is an expert lay member for Brains for Dementia Research, the NIHR, Alzheimer's Society Trustee and Lay Representative on countless research studies.
First broadcast in the Dementia Researcher Community - watch more recordings and join weekly sessions at:
https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher
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Writing a lay summary isn’t about dumbing down your research—it’s about opening it up. In dementia research, where your work touches real lives, communicating clearly and compassionately matters. But how do you explain complex ideas to people without a scientific background, while still honouring the depth of your work? How do you connect with funders, patients, and the wider public in a way that builds trust and understanding? Today, we’ll explore the power of the lay summary—not just as a requirement, but as a tool to make your research more human, more accessible, and more impactful.
Speakers
Russell Chander - is a Scientia PhD candidate and Research Assistant with the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW School of Psychiatry. His work focuses on social cognition in healthy ageing and neurocognitive disorders, and how it might be influenced by genetics, hormones, and brain changes. Russell is passionate about public involvement and the lived experience voice in research.
Nadine Mirza is an MRC funded PhD student at the University of Manchester, conducting mental health research with a focus on dementia diagnosis and British ethnic minorities. She is also a Research Associate with the NIHR ARC and a Research Assistant with Salford's Department of Clinical Neuropsychology. Nadine's is particulary invested in continued efforts to increase and facilitate diversity in clinical psychology and improve minority access, especially in neuropsychology.
Andrew Cornwall is a volunteer elected trustee at Alzheimer's Society. He is a lifelong Carer. Growing up he helped his mother care for many members of their extended family dealing with numerous comorbidities. He is currently caring for his mother, who has mixed dementias.
Andrew is a serial volunteer, having started by helping his mother as she fundraised for numerous good causes. He currently volunteers with several dementia, heritage, education and environmental charities. He has been heavily involved in dementia research for almost twenty years. Current roles include: Co-applicant Brains for Dementia Research (BDR) project; Co-lead Work Package 5 - Publicity & Cohort Engagement, BDR; Public Panel Member, NIHR; Lived Experience Group Member, UK DRI; Management Committee Member, SW Dementia Brain Bank; Policy Involvement Group Member, Alzheimer’s Research UK; & Research Network Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Society.
Andrew won the Outstanding Contribution (Volunteer) award in the 2017 Alzheimer’s Society Peoples Awards.
Programme
The format of the event is a 30 minute livestream where the speakers will each present their thoughts on this topic for 10 minutes each, the host will then ask questions and the livestream will end. The speakers will then join the online chat and interact with the audience, answering questions and giving those who attended a chance to share their thoughts on the topic.
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