What’s it like being on Breakthrough T1D’s Scientific Advisory Council?

A photo of the Scientific Advisory Council at one of their in-person meetings.

Our Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of 15 people including lived experience members with a personal connection to type 1 diabetes, healthcare professionals, researchers and research active clinicians. We hear from three SAC members, Professor Sarah Richardson, Dr Matt Reaney, and David Mitchell, about their time volunteering on the SAC.

What does the SAC do?

One role of the SAC is to review applications for our UK-run research grants by providing expert, impartial scientific and clinical assessments and insights on type 1 diabetes. The SAC also advises on government policies affecting Breakthrough T1D, the research community and those living with type 1 diabetes. They are ambassadors and spokespeople raising Breakthrough T1D’s profile and increasing awareness of type 1 diabetes research and treatments in the UK.

Breakthrough T1D UK Small Grant Awards

Each year, the SAC looks at applications for the Breakthrough T1D UK Small Grant Awards, which fund early career researchers to support their career development towards independence and explore new research ideas, which could lead to future breakthroughs. Without this funding those initial ideas don’t get off the ground, but it’s important we fund the right projects. SAC members assess each application on criteria including the project’s relevance to people living with type 1, value for money, and scientific potential.

Recruiting a new scientific member

Professor Sarah Richardson, a biomedical researcher at the University of Exeter, has come to the end of her term, so we are now recruiting a new scientific member of the SAC. Find out more about the opportunity and how to apply for the position.

Professor Sarah Richardson said: “My time with the SAC has been informative, fun, but most of all inspiring. I really feel this mix of scientists, healthcare professionals and people living with, or touched by diabetes, is an effective way of ensuring that we all are aware of the bigger picture. It emphasises needs, and enthuses us all to push forward at pace, but with careful thought and consideration of the impacts. I leave a little wiser, a lot more inspired, and enthusiastic for what the future brings.”

Flexible and rewarding volunteer role

The SAC meet twice a year, once in person and once virtually, to carry out their role. Our SAC members enjoy the flexibility of reading policies and research proposals in their own time and the social aspect that meeting others offers.

Dr Matt Reaney, a clinical researcher focused on patient outcomes at the University of Oxford, said: “I find the SAC meetings both inspiring and insightful, and I truly enjoy learning from each and every member.”

David Mitchell said: “I don’t have a scientific background, so I joined the SAC to give my perspective as a lived experience member. I have two young kids and I’ve always found it difficult to find time to get involved in volunteering for Breakthrough T1D. Being a SAC member is very practical as it allows me to support Breakthrough T1D around my day job.”

Involving people with lived experience of type 1

People with lived experience of type 1 diabetes have so much insight and perspective to offer research and as such should be involved in every stage of type 1 diabetes research. These five members include people diagnosed with type 1, as adult or children, and parents of children living with type 1.

David Mitchell said: “Feeling involved in decisions around future research is really appealing. It gives a voice to people with type 1 and makes sure that what we deal with on a day-to-day basis is considered. We discuss the differences that people with type 1 have aside from the obvious, including psychological and physical needs that researchers must factor in as well as daily activity such as exercise and work. At first, being on the SAC without a science background was a bit daunting, but other members were very welcoming and keen to include me. It’s been a great personal experience as I have learned a lot, met others with type 1 and built connections. It has been brilliant to be involved in Breakthrough T1D’s work, to feel more part of the charity and able to give back.