Please tell us a bit about you and what you do at the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF)?
“My name is Nachammai Swaminathan, and I work as the Public and Patient Involvement Engagement Officer at the CRF. With nine years of experience working for a charity in Leeds, I have expertise in engaging underserved communities and fostering meaningful partnerships.
“In my current role, I am responsible for enhancing public and patient involvement and participation in research. An important part of my work is advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups and individuals, ensuring their voices are heard and represented. To achieve this, I actively collaborate with local and regional organisations, charities, and partners, using these alliances to establish strong connections and develop an inclusive research outreach program tailored to the unique needs of underserved communities.
What is the most interesting part of your role?
“Interacting with diverse communities is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role. It exposes me to multiple perspectives, experiences, and insights. Developing relationships with members of different communities has led to being included in a vast and diverse network. These connections are valuable professionally and personally, providing support, collaboration opportunities, and a deeper sense of community. Working with diverse communities allows us to make a strong impact on people’s lives. Whether through support or resources, we can empower individuals and groups to improve their overall well-being.
What is the importance of South Asian representation in research?
“Research that includes representation from South Asian communities ensures that health interventions and research are culturally relevant and sensitive. Actively involving these communities in the research process empowers them and fosters a participatory approach, increasing trust in research and health systems and encouraging greater community engagement in health research.
“South Asians constitute a significant part of the UK population and are diverse, with numerous languages and cultural practices. As someone proud of my South Asian heritage, I understand the importance of this representation. Including those with South Asian heritage in health, research enhances our understanding of global health patterns and contributes to developing health solutions applicable to our diverse populations”.