In this series of articles, we take a look at the ongoing work within our Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) theme.
The Online CEI-VOICES (Community Engagement and Involvement-Valuing Our Ideas, Cultures, Experiences, and Societies) Showcase Event was held on 30th September 2025, and served as an interactive platform to connect with organizations working on CEI initiatives.
The showcase event brought together researchers and practitioners, fostering meaningful dialogues and strengthening the bridge between knowledge and community needs. The event aimed at networking and exchange of ideas, allowing participants to learn about the different strategies being used to strengthen community engagement in research and practice. With a well-structured agenda and enthusiastic participation, this initiative served as a dynamic platform that highlighted the importance of CEI in research and practice.
Inaugural Session
The event began with a warm welcome and introduction by Ali Hussaini, setting the stage for an engaging and collaborative discussion. Dr. Romaina delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the centrality of CEI in health research and community impact. Professor Kara Hanson delivered valuable reflections on the NIHR’s vision, highlighting the global significance of CEI and its transformative role in enhancing both research outcomes and community well-being.
VOICES in Action
Segment 2 showcased a diverse range of CEI initiatives across different institutions and research areas. Each presentation amplified the importance of community voices in shaping impactful interventions:
- Saima Aleem (KMU) highlighted the value of involving patients and communities in research for mental health interventions, particularly in the context of TB and depression.
- Badur un-Nisa (IOP) shared insights on how lifestyle factors like diet, physical activity, and sleep patterns influence people living with severe mental illness, and the role of CEI in addressing them.
- Mehmood Bhatti (IRD) presented on using Theatre of the Oppressed as a tool for engagement, showcasing how creative arts can spark dialogue and empower communities.
- Rimsha Tehseen, MPH (HSA), demonstrated how community perspectives shaped interventions to improve care for preterm newborns, emphasizing the importance of trust-building.
In between the presentations, a Q&A session provided participants with the opportunity to discuss the techniques shared and gain a deeper understanding of how they could be applied in practice. The exchange of ideas also encouraged new collaborations and reinforced a sense of shared learning and partnership.
Carrying VOICES Forward
The last segment of the VOICES event, Carrying VOICES Forward, began with an open discussion on organizing the CEI Seminar next year. To engage participants and gather their input, a Mentimeter activity was conducted to identify their preferences regarding the event descriptions.
Participants shared their interest in the next VOICES event, suggesting it be held at the national level in September or October 2026. Many preferred a mixed format (virtual and in-person) to make it more inclusive and accessible. The activity highlighted a shared vision for the future and a continued commitment to strengthening CEI efforts.
The session was formally closed with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Noor Sanauddin (Khyber Medical University), who acknowledged the spirit of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the collective achievements that made the event a remarkable success.
Conclusion
The Online CEI Showcase-VOICES Event highlighted the growing impact of CEI in health research and practice. It served as a valuable networking platform where participants exchanged ideas, shared best practices, and explored innovative ways to strengthen community engagement. The event not only celebrated ongoing efforts but also helped build connections that can drive future collaborations in CEI. The energy and commitment shown by the presenters, moderators, and participants reflected a strong shared interest in making CEI a key part of research and community work.
