NeurOx Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) is an initiative based at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, led by the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) team. This group engages young people aged 14-18 to co-develop research methods, focusing on mental health, neuroscience, and ethics. The aim is to ensure that teenagers’ voices are at the heart of research and public policy decisions that affect their lives.
What is the NeurOx YPAG?
The NeurOx YPAG is not just a typical advisory group; it’s a co-creation platform where young people work closely with researchers to influence how mental health studies are designed, implemented, and understood. Meeting once or twice a term, usually in Oxford, the group brings together young people to contribute to research projects on important societal issues like mental health, ethics, and adolescent well-being.
Purpose and Role of YPAG
The YPAG exists to give teenagers a real voice in shaping research that impacts their lives. Members are seen as co-researchers, and their input is vital in helping to design more effective studies. By working together, YPAG helps create research that is more relevant and impactful for young people. The group also supports the dissemination of findings, ensuring the research reaches wider audiences and contributes to meaningful change.
A Typical YPAG Meeting
YPAG meetings are highly interactive, starting with games and icebreakers to foster collaboration. From there, members dive into discussing ongoing research projects, advising on everything from study design and participant recruitment to the ethical implications of mental health research. One of the unique aspects of YPAG is its focus on developing digital tools, such as apps and games, to engage more young people in research. The group also contributes to creating educational materials, ensuring the research is accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
What Do YPAG Members Gain?
YPAG offers its members a chance to learn about the complexities of mental health, ethical decision-making, and research methodologies. Members develop a range of skills, from teamwork and leadership to analytical thinking and public speaking. Most importantly, they play a direct role in ensuring that research outcomes reflect the real needs and concerns of young people.
Leadership and Support
The NeurOx YPAG is guided by a diverse team of researchers from the University of Oxford, including Dr. Gabriela Pavarini, a postdoctoral researcher in psychology, and Professor Ilina Singh, a leader in neuroscience and society. The group is supported by a team of research assistants and PhD students who help facilitate meetings and guide the members through various projects.
Impact and Future Vision
YPAG is not only about short-term involvement but is designed to have a long-lasting impact on both the young members and the research itself. The group has received independent evaluations highlighting its success in empowering young people and improving research quality through genuine collaboration. Looking ahead, the NeurOx YPAG is committed to expanding its reach and engaging even more diverse voices in mental health and neuroscience research.
Through this initiative, YPAG members are not just participants—they are active changemakers in the research process, shaping a better future for young people everywhere.
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