“Your involvement does truly matter and makes a difference” - Keri's story for #BePartofResearch
Hi, my name is Keri German. I'm 37 and I'm from southeast London. Although I'm currently unable to work due to chronic illness, I stay involved in my local community. I've always cared about making a difference, whether through volunteering or taking part in research that helps move society forward. I'm especially interested in how AI is changing healthcare, as it really does fascinate me.
Over the last 20 years, I've taken part in many research studies, including more than a decade with South London and Maudsley and King's College London, and I'd probably say about 8 years of which has been involvement in the psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience department. My last participation actually being just last year.
Why did you want to get involved in research?
My interests are broad, and I'm curious about all different types of research, even those outside of health. But in regards to healthcare, anything ranging from new treatments to
mental health, neurology research, I see these efforts as vital for improving life and health care for everyone.
My personal journey started just being curious and always wanting to learn about stuff and wanting to know more; wanting to know how things work and being interested in knowing how I could help improve potential health related issues or at least add to the advancements within that field. Being involved has also let me learn about new areas.
'As someone who has chronic illness and also ADHD alongside with some other illnesses, I find it very rewarding that my participation has helped develop better treatments or support for those facing similar challenges and ill health.'
What was involved in the study or studies that you've taken part in?
Some of the studies I've joined have included doing blood tests, doing hospital scans, general physical and cognitive assessments, to really detailed questionnaires about my health and daily life which can be on the day, or over days, or over weeks or months. I've even done one experiment where I had my leg stimulated electrically to study neural responses, but more so to see the fatigue it would cause within the body and how it would affect me afterwards.
I’ve personally never had a negative experience or felt uncomfortable. I suppose it's also because I know that at anytime, if I did, I could just stop and say I do not want to take part anymore and withdraw. So that's always a possibility if you want to do that, or should I say it's always an option.
I've applied to probably hundreds of opportunities for research. But I haven't always qualified, but that's normal because I haven't always been eligible.
How was the experience for you?
I would say overall my experiences being part of the studies and research have always been overwhelmingly positive. The research teams always are welcoming and they do appreciate your time and they make you feel comfortable and informed. There's always lots of paperwork, and if you do struggle, if you need help, they definitely help you, as they can simplify it as well. But it's more to make sure you're definitely understanding what you're getting involved in.
I would say don't feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, it's just because they want to ensure that you understand what's happening. The research sheets that you have to sign, they are actually simplified so that it's really simple to understandI enjoy learning why the studies are taking place and how me taking part contributes to a bigger picture. And when possible I like to get updates about what the outcomes or what the research found if available, which is not always the case.
What were the best things about taking part?
One stand-out memory for me was a language experiment, where I was partnered with someone on Zoom, a random person, and we had to use made-up words to communicate using three root words, which even me saying it actually gives me a headache! It was super hard but really fun. So obviously it was interesting to kind of see how people adapt to new ways of communicating. That was very recently, in the last couple of months.
I would say the most rewarding part for me is knowing that I'm generally helping research and that hopefully it could lead to better understanding or improve treatments. And being part of something bigger.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining a research study?
I would say if you're considering it, try a questionnaire-based study, to get a feel for the process, which is kind of an easy way in.
You know, all the studies make it generally very clear what is going to be part of the study - what your involvement would be - so you can go and actively find studies that maybe just a questionnnaire only and you wouldn't even have to go to the hospital, you can just do it from your home, or on Zoom. They all do vary, but it would be a good opportunity for someone for their first time if they were unsure about the process, because at least if you did a questionnaire, you can understand the whole process from initiating contact, to the emails, the kind of information you would get and racking up the process.
Why do you think taking part in research is important?
Research can't move forward without volunteers and every treatment or therapy that we have is thanks to people that have been part of research and studies over the years, over many decades. Especially diverse participants are needed, people of all backgrounds, so the results are more useful for everyone.
Historically, medical research has significantly underrepresented women compared to men, creating massive gaps in the understanding of women's health and the conditions that primarily affect women have generally received less research funding and attention. Even for diseases that affect all genders, studies are frequently using men by default, assuming findings would apply equally to women, which we know isn't always true.
Women can obviously experience different symptoms for the same conditions and respond differently to treatment, so it is important.
There are also other groups that have been underrepresented, which creates gaps in the understanding and treatment options. Studies need a wide range of people – taking part helps fix these gaps and improves future care.
In the end, joining research is one of the clearest ways anyone can help build a healthier, better future for all. I feel like it turns us from passive users of services into active contributors to progress.
I'm personally grateful for all the chances I've had to take part in research studies and definitely would urge anyone interested to get involved. Your involvement does truly matter and makes a difference.
Visit our Take Part in Research pages to browse our current research opportunities.
