Have Your Say in TwinsUK Research
We are looking for new members of our TwinsUK Volunteer Advisory Panel (VAP) and eVAP, to replace our outgoing panel.
The VAP meet twice a year, either in person or by video call, and the eVAP provide input by email only.
To apply to be a member, please complete the short online application below by Monday 7th March 2022 (extended from 14th February 2022).
What are the VAP and eVAP?
The VAP and eVAP provide feedback on new research protocols, pilot our questionnaires, review newsletters and participant information materials, discuss ethical issues, and provide advice on a variety of topics.
We set up the VAP and eVAP in 2009 to ensure that we take the opinions and views of our volunteers on board during the development and running of research programmes at TwinsUK.
Membership lasts for three years.
The panel consists of:
- 12 VAP members who meet twice a year, either in person at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, or over video call. We also email VAP members approximately 4-6 times a year for their views.
- 12 eVAP members who are consulted by email only (approximately 4-6 times a year).
How do I apply?
There are no qualifications needed and everyone can apply, although only one twin in a pair can be on the panel at any one time – so please discuss with your twin before you volunteer! We also ask that you do not apply if you have previously been a VAP or eVAP member.
Both panels will be selected to represent the diversity of TwinsUK in terms of zygosity, age and gender of the twins.
If you would like to apply to become a member of the VAP or the eVAP, please click on the link below to complete the short form by Monday 14th February 2022. We will email you the outcome of your application by within a month of the closing date.
Apply to join today
To apply, click on the link below and fill out the short form:
If you have any questions, please do get in touch with the Chair of the VAP, Paz García, on paz.garcia@kcl.ac.uk.
Feedback from 2018-2021 VAP members
“I’ll really miss being part of VAP. Throughout my time in lockdown, it really gave me a sense of purpose and a feeling that I was part of a team making a valuable contribution in the fight against Covid. The VAP enabled me to contribute some diverse and commercial risk management skills in a very different environment. Our VAP formed a great team where everyone was listened to and their views were respected.”
“I was wary that the level of scientific explanations might be beyond me at times but I always felt that things were pitched in an appropriate way for us…. so don’t let people be put off by this.”
“I am very grateful to you all at the DTR for making my three years as part of the panel such an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. It has been especially good to have been able to contribute to your vital work during the pandemic which was such a pressured time for you all. Thank you so much.”