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Barbara Molony-Oates

Digital Innovation Theme Public Advisor

Barbara Molony-Oates
Miscellaneous Information

Barbara is a public involvement manager at the Health Research Authority (HRA). She helped lead the development of the Shared Commitment to Public Involvement in health and care research with the HRA and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR); a growing partnership of a number of organisations who are working together promote, support and improve public involvement in health and social care research.

Barbara was born in Ireland but has lived in greater London all her adult life, and in Surrey. She is dyslexic, autistic and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a result, Barbara struggled in school and dropped out of university.  She has struggled with mental health issues, self-harmed, had anorexia and used alcohol as a coping mechanism. She was misdiagnosed with bipolar and manic depression before she became sober. She was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2016.

Barbara did an Access to Science course in 2004 and now holds an MSc in Physics from Royal Holloway University of London; a PgCert in Secondary Mathematics; and a PgDip in Therapeutic Radiotherapy. She has worked in clinical research delivery and is passionate about supporting researchers to involve patients and carers with lived experience in all parts of their research, from inception to dissemination.

Barbara has two adult children, loves running, Lego and walking with her husband and two dogs.

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