Melanie Fleming

The Medical Sciences Division is committed to advocating for, and providing support for, patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in research as a way of continually improving the quality and relevance of our world-leading health research. As Divisional Academic Lead for Patient Involvement and Public Engagement, Mel Fleming provides strategic leadership in this area, Divisional input to the development of relevant University engagement initiatives, and supports strategic connections with our key partner organisations, including Oxford BRC, Oxford Health BRC, local NHS Trusts and Local Authorities. Mel is also the Divisional representative on the University Public and Community Engagement with Research Advisory Board.

In the role, Mel works closely with Naomi Gibson, the Division’s Public and Policy Engagement Facilitator to provide strategic direction to the Medical Sciences Divisional Office’s approach to supporting patient involvement and broader public and community engagement activity. She is part of the academic leadership team reporting to Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg, Associate Head (Research), supporting the Medical Sciences Division’s ambitions to maximise research impact, funding and reputation of our research through innovation and engagement.

Mel is an Associate Professor in the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. Her research focuses on understanding and improving recovery after brain injury. She is passionate about working together with patients and the public to guide research, and aims to support others to engage with the public in a meaningful way.