Agora Digital Centre
About us
We’re passionate about the benefits of patients and the public having a voice in research.
Based at the University of Southampton, the Agora Digital Centre offers training and consultancy services for patient and public participation, engagement and involvement in health and social care research. We look to connect researchers, organisations and communities for better research.
Our mission
An online centre where people can learn, get support, connect and work together on health and social care research.
Our vision
Patients and the public are essential for good quality health and social care research. We aim to connect researchers and public and provide support and learning for patient and public participation, involvement and engagement throughout the research process to improve lives.
Meet the team
Dr Gary Hickey
Senior Public Involvement Manager
Gary is a leading voice in co-production and patient and public involvement in research. He has, for many years, and including for INVOLVE and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, been providing advice, guidance and training as well as writing and delivering podcasts on these issues. He is also an experienced researcher and continues to get involved in health and social care research. Gary believes that people should be involved in research that impacts upon them and that building trust between the public and researchers is at the heart of good patient and public involvement.
Katie Porter
Project Manager
Katie is a project manager who has been working in patient and public involvement and engagement for the past four years. She currently manages the development of the Agora Digital Centre and coordinates a range of involvement and engagement activities and events. Katie has a passion for improving lives in a sustainable and meaningful way and seeks to collaborate with and support others in having a positive impact in health and social care research.
We can help you
Build your confidence: Not sure where to start with patient and public involvement and engagement? Sign up to our online courses or summer school to learn what it is, why people do it and how to do it well.
Realise your potential: We want to help you and your team reach your maximum potential. Chat to us about tailored training sessions to meet your needs for your project or organisation.
Bring your ideas to life: It all begins with an idea. We can partner with your team to develop your ideas and integrate patient and public involvement and engagement throughout your project.