In this blog series, we will be featuring our award winners and highly commended recipients from the Faculty’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to PPIE’ awards. The awards showcase inspirational and outstanding commitment to PPIE that has made a positive difference to our community and highlights the amazing events, activities, people and groups from across the Faculty.   

Our latest blog in this series features Moira Lyons, who was a winner in the Individual category at the 2025 PPIE Awards. She has been a public contributor at the University since 2016 and has been extensively involved in research and teaching-related PPIE initiatives.  

Moira Lyons is passionate about the role PPIE plays in shaping research, healthcare delivery and education. Over the past decade, she has contributed to numerous activities, including chairing programme committees, supporting postgraduate module design and delivering PPIE training for researchers. Her work has influenced students, postgraduates, practitioners, pharmacists and healthcare scientists. 

Through membership of several PPIE groups, Moira has provided strategic input, research advice and feedback. Some of her activities include: 

• PRIMER (Primary Care Research in Manchester Engagement Resource): As a member and former vice-chair, Moira reviews research proposals and offers feedback to strengthen primary care research. She has supported several projects such as the CaVIAR Project (better Care Via Improved Access to Results) with Dr Brian McMillan and The Patient Safety Guide with Dr Rebecca Morris. 

• Patient and Public Advisory Board (PPAB), Teaching and Research Committees: Moira reviews health research projects with a focus on PPIE opportunities. She also attends student pharmacist training sessions, offering a public perspective to enhance communication skills and patient-centred care. 

• Research User Group (RUG) for the NIHR Greater Manchester Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (PSTRC): Moira played a key role in PPI governance, overseeing how research was developed and implemented. The RUG met regularly to review progress across research themes and plan meaningful involvement. 

Moira’s commitment exemplifies how public contributors can shape research and education for the better. Her work continues to inspire others across the Faculty. 

Additional information: 

• The CaVIAR Project publication: Fostering a more collaborative approach to the NHS Health Check through improved access to results: CaVIAR Project (better Care Via Improved Access to Results) 
• The Patient Safety Guide publication: Developing a patient safety guide for primary care: A co-design approach involving patients, carers and clinicians 
• Related blog: Moira Lyons, Public Contributor at the University, Discusses the Past, Present and Future of PPIE 

To find out more about PPIE: watch our short film, sign up to the monthly Public Engagement Digest, visit the PPIE blog, or contact srbmh@manchester.ac.uk.       

To read more about other PPIE Award winners visit here. 

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