Clara M de Barros

Public contributor

I began my journey in PPIE in 2016 through a serendipitous encounter with a researcher who introduced me to the concept. Intrigued by the idea of public involvement in research, I sought out training opportunities, starting at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton before expanding my knowledge through various online courses. My commitment to meaningful patient and public involvement led me to complete a EUPATI fellowship from 2019 to 2021.

As a late-diagnosed autistic woman, advocating for autistic voices is deeply important to me and informs all the projects I engage with. I value PPIE for its ability to bridge the gap between researchers and the communities they aim to serve, ensuring that lived experiences shape and improve research outcomes. For me, true involvement means creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives are heard, respected, and acted upon.

When I’m not thinking about research, I enjoy reading, writing, going for walks in quiet places, and working on jigsaw puzzles.