This February, we kicked off the first meeting of the new youth advisory group, which is a new project that is part of the MPLS Public and Community Engagement with Research Fellowship.

The goal is to pilot a youth advisory group for AI and data science within MPLS by bringing young people’s voices into research processes, to ensure that projects with current or future implications for young people are relevant, responsible, and impactful. While similar groups exist in Medical Sciences and Social Sciences, this will be the first of its kind in MPLS. The pilot will provide a platform for researchers and young people to collaborate in decision-making, helping departments produce high-quality, REF-ready research that demonstrates meaningful engagement and impact.

During our kick-off meeting (online), we got to know each other a little bit (are you more koala 🐨 or lion 🦁?) before discussing the purpose of a youth advisory group. We also started co-designing a code of conduct for young people and for the researchers bringing their projects to the group.

Young people are committed to

1. Sharing your honest opinion, even if others think differently - your perspective is valuable!
2. Listening to other young people’s views with an open mind
3. Responding to other people politely, explaining why you agree or disagree
4. Giving everyone a chance to share their views
5. Asking questions if there’s something you want clarified or don’t understand
6. Staying involved with the group - consistently attend meetings, engage in sessions to the best of your ability, respond to communications from the organisers
7. Following good online meeting practice - use your camera and mic, mute yourself if there’s background noise, check your clothing and background is appropriate

Researchers are committed to

1. Presenting your research to the group in a clear, accessible way, explaining unfamiliar language/terms
2. Explaining how the group’s input will contribute to the research
3. Being ready to answer questions and find new ways to explain things to young people
4. Providing opportunities in the session for young people to share their opinions and ideas
5. Sharing your own ideas
6. Respecting young people’s opinions and ideas, even if they conflict with what you or others think is best
7. Acting on the group’s opinions and ideas and update the group about how you’ve done this

We will share more about our youth advisory group development here in the coming months. Look out for more updates.