Community and research
At Centenary we believe that community engagement and health advocacy has a key role in our quest to understand diseases and find cures. We want to stay abreast of current and emerging concerns among patients and to be more effective in communicating the progress we are making.
Who is a consumer?
Consumers encompass individuals directly impacted by specific diseases, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and close family members or friends of those diagnosed with conditions such as cancer or asthma. Additionally, within the scope of certain public health research initiatives, members of the general community may also be considered consumers.
How are consumers engaged?
Consumers play a multifaceted role in the project, actively participating in reviewing grant applications alongside their involvement in other project activities. They foster a close relationship with the research team through diverse channels, including email correspondence, laboratory visits, and regular meetings. This hands-on engagement ensures a thorough understanding of the research’s nature and progression.
Moreover, to enhance communication on a broader scale, the entire Consumer review panel (CRP) receives regular updates through seminars, newsletters, videos, annual reports, and other institute-wide events. Should the project application succeed, the research team commits to providing ongoing progress reports to the CRP, ensuring continuous engagement. Additionally, these updates are integrated into the communication strategy of the Centenary marketing team, utilising avenues such as newsletters, media releases, and annual reports to disseminate information widely across the community.