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Our People

We believe that the intersectional identities of the research team are integral to the design and delivery of our research activities. Our team is proud to comprise researchers, many of whom are women, from racially minoritised backgrounds, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and disabled communities, together with older adults and people with lived experience of HIV and other health conditions. Members of the senior team hold or have held national leadership roles in HIV and/or health equity, are influencers and have been recognised for their expertise and contributions. 

Collaborative approach

The SHARE Collaborative has a global reach. Embedded within the Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust, we build relationships locally, nationally and globally.

Our focus is on infectious conditions, including HIV, mpox (formerly monkeypox) and SARS CoV-2. We specialise in inclusive study design including co-creation and partnership working. We study how and why people do and do not choose to participate in research.

Our team has a special interest in equitable implementation of new approaches to treatment and prevention including long-acting injectable HIV therapies.

By building a centre of research excellence in partnership with people with lived experience of infections, we aim to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities.

Professor Chloe Orkin, Director, SHARE Collaborative

Our Contribution

SHARE researchers led world-leading research that has secured the licensing of long-acting HIV therapy and a predictive algorithm directing clinicians on its use. Our team published the first anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-ageist protocol in this field.

Our academic international leadership on mpox delivered ground-breaking insights into the clinical features of the infection, including its impact on women and gender non-conforming people and people with advanced HIV infection. We described outcomes in those who experience re-infections. Our work resulted in revisions of national and international guidelines.

We demonstrated the negative impact of mpox on the health workforce and on affected communities. The World Health Organisation has commissioned SHARE to undertake social science research work.

SHARE researchers led world-leading research that has secured the licensing of long-acting HIV therapy  and a predictive algorithm directing clinicians on its use. Our team published the first anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-ageist protocol in this field.

Our academic international leadership on mpox delivered ground-breaking insights into  the clinical features of the infection, including its impact on women and gender non-confirming people and people with advanced HIV infection. We described outcomes in those who experience re-infections. Our work resulted in revisions of national and international guidelines.

We demonstrated the negative impact of mpox on the health workforce and on affected communities. The World Health Organisation has commissioned SHARE to undertake social science research work.

Breaking new ground

SHARE researchers are thought leaders on health equity. Funded by the NIHR, we established the Partnership for Black People’s health to deliver a community-led research agenda for Black Health through partnership with Black community organisations, community leaders, and extensive public engagement.

We highlighted the ethnic disparities of COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalised patients in East London and established the East London Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) to explore the needs and priorities in the context of pandemic recovery. We adapted the established James Lind Alliance PSP methodology for a specific geographic location and ethnic groups. This was the first of its kind and provides a successful example of meaningful and authentic community engagement.

SHARE researchers are thought leaders on health equity. Funded by the NIHR, we established the Partnership for Black People’s health to deliver a community-led research agenda for Black Health through partnership with Black community organisations, community leaders, and extensive public engagement.

We highlighted the ethnic disparities of COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalised patients in East London and established the East London Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) to explore the needs and priorities in the context of pandemic recovery. We adapted the established James Lind Alliance PSP methodology for a specific geographic location and ethnic groups. This was the first of its kind and provides a successful example of meaningful and authentic community engagement.

‘Empowering and training peer researchers to become part of the study team, attending to gender parity in the study team, and ensuring representation of racially minoritised researchers are crucial steps toward reducing systematic inequities’. Chloe Orkin and Vanessa Apea, Lancet HIV

Workforce research

We have designed, delivered, and disseminated research on the damaging effects of racism, sexism and ableism in the medical and academic workforce.

Members of the collaborative deliver workshops and symposia nationally on equity, diversity and inclusion. Many of our team hold expertise in science communications and translate complex information into formats that are accessible to a range of audiences, including the general public.

Our team also has experience of working closely with third sector organisations, including holding roles in charities that focus on health equity.

We have designed, delivered, and disseminated research on the damaging effects of racism, sexism and ableism in the medical and academic workforce.

Members of the collaborative deliver workshops and symposia nationally on equity, diversity and inclusion. Many of our team hold expertise in science communications and translate complex information into formats that are accessible to a range of audiences, including the general public.

Our team also has experience of working closely with third sector organisations, including holding roles in charities that focus on health equity.

Our objectives

One

Develop both research and health interventions that are co-produced with the wider community through a community advisory board and tailored for the specific needs of people and populations who are experiencing the impact of the condition studied.

Two

Reduce health inequalities through the SHARE research portfolio to understand barriers and enablers to equitable delivery of novel therapeutics, clinical, basic science and social science research.

Three

Produce research and thought leadership to improve inclusion and diversity within the academic workforce.