RNA Bioscience for Participatory Alopecia Research (RNA-PAR)

Innovating alopecia care

RNA-PAR was a national participatory research project exploring how RNA bioscience and lived experience can work together to shape future approaches to alopecia research and treatment. The project explored how participatory approaches can be embedded within early-stage bioscience research, focusing on alopecia.

The project aimed to understand lived experiences, explore awareness of RNA bioscience and identify patient priorities for emerging treatments. The work combined co-creation workshops, a UK-wide survey and accessible science communication.

Led by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in partnership with the University of Liverpool (UoL) and Alopecia UK (AUK), the project brought together researchers, academics, people living with alopecia and public contributors to explore the future of RNA-based approaches for hair loss conditions.

Engagement and involvement in practice

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Stage one: Advisory group and lived-experience involvement

Stage two: Partnership with Alopecia UK

Stage three: Co-designed community survey

Stage four: Interactive workshops and focus groups

Stage five: Dissemination and feedback loop

The project included:

  • lived experiences of alopecia
  • public perspectives on emerging RNA-based treatments
  • accessibility and public understanding of RNA science
  • Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in laboratory bioscience research

Key insights include:

  • experiences of alopecia vary significantly
  • awareness of RNA is low but interest is high
  • linking RNA’s origins to current medical uses helps reframe it as familiar by reducing perceptions of ‘unnaturalness’
  • trust depending on transparency and clear communication
  • patients prioritising wellbeing, inclusion and honesty in research

Project legacy

Although the funded phase has ended, RNA-PAR has established a strong foundation for future research, partnerships and participatory approaches in bioscience.

Its outputs and learning continue to support:

  • future funding and research development
  • ongoing collaboration with Alopecia UK
  • academic publications and knowledge exchange
  • development of participatory approaches in bioscience

The project also demonstrates the importance of:

  • resourcing engagement beyond project funding
  • maintaining digital content
  • embedding co production as standard practice