Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
Research Shaped by Lived Experience
Building a partnership between Edinburgh Metabolism researchers and our local community to tackle diabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease together.
Our Commitment to PPIE
At Edinburgh Metabolism, we study the biological basis of metabolic health, from fat distribution and inflammation to dietary influences. However, we believe that scientific discovery should not happen in a silo. To ensure our research creates real-world impact, we are committed to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE).
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Our goal is simple: to transition from communicating to the public, to collaborating with them. By listening to people with lived experience of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, we ensure our research addresses the questions that matter most to patients and their families
Research Rooted in Community
We recognise that those living with metabolic conditions are "experts by experience," and their insights are as vital as our laboratory data.
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Our engagement strategy is built on three established pillars:
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Co-Production with Patients: We actively partner with individuals living with type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and obesity, as well as their families and carers. By involving these groups in our research design, we ensure our scientific questions align with real-world patient needs.
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Addressing Health Inequalities: We are committed to ensuring our research benefits everyone, particularly communities disproportionately affected by metabolic disease. We focus our engagement efforts in Southeast Edinburgh, working directly within areas like Niddrie and Craigmillar to tackle local health disparities.
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Embedded Community Partnerships: We maintain strong, collaborative links with the NHS and third-sector organizations, including Carr Gomm and Niddrie Medical Practice. These partnerships allow us to move beyond our Research Institute and engage with patients in trusted community spaces.
Recent Activities
Spotlight: Community Dialogue at Niddrie GP Practice
​November 2025
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In collaboration with Carr Gomm and Niddrie Medical Practice, Dr. Elizabeth Haythorne, Dr. Mark Nixon, and Dr. Benezech visited a local Diabetes Peer Group. This wasn't a lecture; it was a knowledge exchange. While our researchers shared insights on how environmental factors and stress impact blood glucose, the primary goal was to listen to the lived experiences of the group members. These discussions are helping us reshape how we approach metabolic research questions.
Policy Impact: Promoting Healthy Ageing at Holyrood
​January 2026
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Dr. Will Cawthorn represented Edinburgh Metabolism at the Scottish Parliament for a briefing on "Promoting Healthy Ageing in Scotland." Invited by SPICe (Scottish Parliament Information Centre), Dr. Cawthorn presented his group’s research on bone marrow adiposity to MSPs and policymakers. Engaging with policy leaders ensures that our scientific findings regarding nutrition and ageing translate into actionable health strategies for Scotland.​
Science in the Classroom
​Coming in March 2026
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We are preparing to visit a local primary school in Niddrie to inspire the next generation of scientists. Stay tuned for updates!
Public Engagement: "Licence to Stress" at Edinburgh Science Festival
​Coming in April 2026
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Does stress break your heart? Dr. Mark Nixon takes the stage at the Edinburgh Science Festival to explore the link between stress hormones and cardiovascular disease. This interactive talk makes complex endocrinology accessible, helping the public understand the physiological toll of modern stress.​
