Take part in RNA-PAR research

We’re inviting people affected by alopecia to take part in an exciting new research project here at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), in partnership with the University of Liverpool and Alopecia UK. This work explores the science of RNA and how it might help with future treatments for hair loss. But we’re not doing it alone - we believe the best research happens when it’s shaped by the people it’s meant to benefit.

Why this matters

Alopecia can affect many aspects of life - physical, emotional, social. But for too long, scientific research hasn’t fully reflected the experiences of those living with it. Our project aims to change that by involving patients and the public from the start by working collaboratively towards shared goals through meaningful engagement with mutual benefits. Together, we’ll explore how new advances in RNA bioscience could offer hope for the future, while also making sure this science is understandable, ethical and inclusive.

RNA in a nutshell 

You may have heard of DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid, it’s the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms and many viruses. It's like an instruction manual for building and maintaining our bodies: the instructions that make you you. But there’s another important molecule in your body called RNA. It’s just as powerful, and it’s helping scientists explore exciting new ways to understand and treat conditions like alopecia. 

RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid. You can think of it like a messenger (mRNA) - it takes the information from your DNA and helps your cells follow those instructions. Imagine your body is a giant kitchen and every cell is a chef. To cook, the chef needs a recipe - this is where RNA comes in! Just like a recipe tells you how to bake a cake, RNA helps your body “bake” proteins that do all sorts of jobs, from growing hair to fighting illness.

Why researchers are interested in RNA

RNA isn’t just a messenger - it’s becoming a game-changer in medicine. Scientists are learning how to use RNA to:

  • better understand how and why some conditions, like alopecia, affect people differently
  • develop new treatments that target the problem more precisely, with fewer side effects
  • create future therapies that are more personalised, inclusive and effective

You might have heard of RNA vaccines (like some COVID-19 vaccines) - they’ve shown just how powerful RNA science can be!

What this has to do with alopecia

Alopecia can happen when the body’s own systems go off-track - sometimes linked to the immune system, genes, hormones or stress. RNA research can help us:

  • understand how those systems work
  • spot patterns that might explain why some people develop hair loss
  • explore new treatment options for the future

But science isn’t just about molecules - it’s about people. That’s why your input is so important.

Why we want to hear from you

You don’t need to be a scientist to take part. In fact, your lived experience is exactly what we need.

Who can take part

You might be interested in getting involved if you:

  • have personal experience of any type of alopecia (now or in the past), and:
    • are interested in science, health and research
    • want to have a voice in shaping future treatment possibilities
    • are curious about how new medical technologies work
    • enjoy hands-on activities or creative ways of sharing your story

We especially welcome people from all backgrounds and communities, including those who may not usually be involved in research.

What involvement will look like

Depending on your interest and availability, involvement might include:

  • attending an online one-hour workshop or three-hour in-person lab visit at Liverpool John Moores University
  • helping us test out activities designed to explain RNA science
  • sharing your thoughts and experiences with the team
  • giving feedback on how we communicate research findings
  • helping shape future research questions or priorities

In our RNA-PAR workshops and activities, you’ll:

  • learn more about what RNA is and how it’s being used
  • try hands-on activities (optional)
  • share your thoughts, questions and experiences
  • help shape the future of inclusive, meaningful research

We’re running two online workshops and one in-person session in June 2025:

Online Workshop 1
Our Voices: Talking Alopecia and Treatment Futures

Monday 9 June 2025, 12.30 to 1.30pm (online using Microsoft Teams)

This interactive session invites people with lived experience of alopecia to share their stories, hopes and concerns around hair loss and available treatments. Together, we’ll explore emerging research - including RNA-based ideas and begin imagining what a more inclusive, patient-centred future for alopecia care could look like.

The session will be co-led by our research assistant and a member of the Alopecia UK Lay Research Panel - both bringing personal perspectives from their own experiences of hair loss and a shared passion for making sure alopecia research is focussed on the realities that matter most, to the people who really matter most.

Online Workshop 2
Small Molecules, Big Conversations and Alopecia: Exploring RNA Together

Monday 16 June 2025, 12.30 to 1.30pm (online using Microsoft Teams)

Spotlighting RNA’s incredible role in modern medicine - from COVID vaccines to future therapies, our bioscience researchers unpack what it is, why it matters and how it’s being used in cutting-edge therapies.

But the science is only one part of the story! We want to know: What do you think? What matters to you? Your input will guide how this research moves forward.

RNA may be small but it may be a big part of future alopecia treatments! Your insights and questions will shape where we go next. In this interactive session, we’ll explore science together and begin the process of shaping a more inclusive approach to biomedical research for alopecia.

In-person Lab Session
Hands-On with RNA: Exploring Science Together

Monday 23 June 2025, 11am to 2pm (James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF)

Join us in Liverpool for a hands-on workshop where you’ll step into the lab and experience real RNA research in action. Guided by our welcoming team of scientists, this session is designed for everyone - no prior science knowledge needed!

You’ll get to try out RNA extraction, explore the basics of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and discover how these tools connect to alopecia research. It's a chance to ask questions, try new things, share your thoughts and help shape future collaborative research.

Come be part of something that’s changing everything!

We’d love for participants to attend all three activities if possible, as each part builds on the last - but we understand life is complex, so it's not absolutely necessary.

To ensure that involvement in our research is equally accessible to all potential participants, we will cover reasonable expenses incurred by attending the in-person lab session (for example travel costs) and lunch will be provided on the day. You will also receive a small token of appreciation by way of a £25 Love2Shop voucher for each hour you are involved in the research activities above.

Please note:
Your contact details will not be recorded with the project data collected from you.

Further information on good practice for payment and recognition for research participants is available from the National Institute for Health Care and Research (NIHR).

What happens next

Because this is a formal research study, we must give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about taking part. This includes a:

  • Participant Information Sheet that explains what the research is about, what’s involved, and what your rights are
  • Consent Form, which you'll be asked to sign if you decide to take part

Once you’ve explored this page, if you're interested, you need to follow this link to read the Participant Information Sheet then complete the subsequent Consent and Registration forms.

Download a PDF version of the Patient Information Sheet (PDF, 171KB)

Download a PDF version of the Consent Form (PDF, 161KB)

We know this can be a lot to take in, so we’ve done our best to keep it clear, friendly and jargon-free. You’re also very welcome to ask us questions at any stage.

Still have questions? You can always get in touch: