Get Involved with Cleft Research

CLAPA is committed to strengthening links between the cleft community and cleft researchers. This includes helping the community get involved and have their say on cleft research and changes to NHS cleft care, and supporting researchers with their projects.

“[I have really enjoyed] being able to influence research programmes and seeing how my input makes a difference with cleft treatment.” – CLAPA Patient Rep

For the Cleft Community

There are lots of ways that you can get involved in research, and not just as a subject. Even if you were not born with a cleft yourself, your input can still be helpful to researchers by helping to design or evaluate studies, or even by helping to collect data. As someone with an interest in cleft, you have a stake in how these studies are conducted, what conclusions can be drawn from their findings, and how this may affect cleft treatment.

The best way to make sure you’re represented is by getting involved in a research study.

You don’t need any prior training or experience with research. All you need is a willingness to share your thoughts and experiences of cleft to help create a brighter future for the cleft community.

Browse current opportunities to find one that suits you, or join CLAPA Voices to get relevant opportunities straight into your inbox.

For Cleft Researchers and NHS Cleft Teams

We believe Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is absolutely vital to make sure the right things are being studied in the right way. The cleft community agrees; according to CLAPA’s 2023 Survey, 95% agreed it was ‘important for cleft researchers to get feedback about their projects from people affected by cleft’.

CLAPA can support your PPI efforts and work with you to make your study more accessible to the cleft community. We offer a Consultancy Service where researchers and NHS Cleft Teams can pick from a range of support packages, or create your own bespoke package to fit your needs. For those without funding for this work, we offer a bursary to ensure you can still get the support you need.

Read more about CLAPA’s Consultancy Service