Ms Lucy Kirkland

About me:

Lucy is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Optimally (DISCO) research group at the University of Exeter. Since starting her research career in April 2022, she has worked on a study supporting clinical decision-making for patients with cancer symptoms and long-term health conditions, funded by an NIHR Advanced Fellowship led by Prof. Sarah Bailey. Lucy has subsequently assisted with recruitment and coordination of PPIE on multiple projects within the research group including a retrospective cohort study on the diagnostic performance of CA-125 for ovarian cancer.

Lucy builds partnerships with diverse communities, CICs, charities, community leaders, sports clubs, and faith-based groups to improve the representation of diverse populations in cancer research. Having secured £9000 of funding from Exeter Innovation, her work supports a number of community projects which are co-produced with community leaders, such as Community Conversations about Cancer with a Black African faith-based group, resulting in a community-curated short film. She is also co-developing a tailored public engagement event with the Muslim community to build trust, and a co-produced collaboration between Inclusive Exeter, RCCG Exeter, and FORCE Cancer Charity who offer post-diagnosis support services. The overarching aim is to connect with Exeter's diverse heritage communities to listen, spend time building trust, and improve health equity through cancer diagnosis research that is informed and co-produced by people directly affected.   

With a background in social work, Lucy previously worked in frontline Children’s Services for over seven years and as a support worker in adult mental health and drug rehabilitation services. She also worked internationally, in Cambodia, Nepal and also leading community projects for single mothers in Sri Lanka. Lucy also volunteered for Social Workers Without Borders in Calais, conducting Best Interests and Human Rights Assessments for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Drawing on her experience as a social worker, Lucy understands the importance of trust in community-based research. She is passionate about reducing health inequity in cancer diagnosis, and ensuring research reflects community needs.

Interests:

• Cancer detection in primary care
• Evaluating and modelling the impact of new cancer detection strategies
• Risk markers and risk predictors of cancer
• Patient and public collaboration in research

Observational data experience:

• The Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and linked datasets

Awards:

• Above & Beyond Award, 2023
• Above & Beyond Award, 2024

Research income:

Engaged Research Fund £6500

Building a relationship between cancer diagnosis researchers, people in the community and FORCE cancer charity through collaborative community programmes with Inclusive Exeter and FORCE cancer charity. Improving involvement and representation of diverse heritage communities in cancer research and promoting the patient and public voice in shaping existing support services to meet the needs of Exeter's diverse communities. Community Co-Applicants, Joy Okumbor, Pastor Samuel Oluwafemi Odewunmi, and Edith Chinnah, Co-Applicants Prof. Sarah Bailey, Dr Tanimola Martins, Melissa Barlow, and FORCE Cancer Charity Alex Moseley and Kayleigh Brown

University of Exeter, 2024

Participatory Research Exploratory Award Fund £500

Building a relationship between cancer diagnosis researchers and the diverse community attending Exeter Mosque. Improving involvement and representation of diverse heritage communities in cancer research. Community Co-Applicant Neomi Alam, Co-Applicants Prof. Sarah Bailey, Dr Tanimola Martins.

University of Exeter, 2024

Bridging Communities Fund £2000

Building a relationship between cancer diagnosis researchers and the community attending the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Exeter to build trust and identify community-led research priorities. Improving involvement and representation of Black African, Caribbean and Asian heritage communities in cancer research. Community Co-Applicant Pastor Samuel Oluwafemi Odewunmi, Co-Applicants Prof. Sarah Bailey, Dr Tanimola Martins.

University of Exeter, 2024

Qualifications:

• BSc (Hons) Social Work (University of Portsmouth, 2008)
• MSc Psychology (University of Exeter, 2022)
• GMBPsS Graduate Member, British Psychological Society