University of Nottingham: Nottingham researchers call out for people to join inaugural citizen science and mental health study

The team behind an innovative study aiming to change the landscape of mental health research is looking to enlist participants to take part in the next stage of the project.

The Citizen Science to Achieve Coproduction at Scale (C-STACS) study is one of five UK research projects being funded by UKRI that directly involved members of the public in the process. It’s the first time a study has brought together expertise from citizen science, patient and public involvement and human-computer interaction research.

Located in the Institute of Mental Health on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus, the team are looking to speak to people that fall into two separate groups:

People with experience of mental health illnesses: such as those living with mental health illnesses, carers, or mental health workers.
People with experience of citizen science: such as academic experts who’ve led a citizen science project or people who have contributed to a citizen science project.
Mike Slade, Professor of Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, who is leading the project, said: “The main thing we’re seeking to uncover is people’s views about citizen science in mental health, particularly with regards to any ethical, legal, or societal issues that might be raised. This input will then aid in the development of a platform and framework for citizen science in mental health.

One in four adults and one in ten children experience mental illness during their lifetime, according to NHS England. We hope that, through this study and thanks to the contributions of citizen scientists, we’ll be able to make a real difference to people living with mental health issues.
Mike Slade, Professor of Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences