ARCNet: Revolutionising early cancer detection with AI

Researchers at Barts Health NHS Trust are looking for people affected by cancer to help shape an AI project that could help speed up cancer diagnosis and scan results.

Summary

Type of activity

Member of a group or panel

Organised by

Barts Health NHS Trust

Location

Online meetings, anywhere in UK. One planned in-person event in East London near the conclusion of the project.

Time commitment

Approximately one two-hour meeting every 2 to 3 months, plus occasional document reviews between meetings

Payment and expenses

Paid for your time and reasonable travel expenses reimbursed in line with NIHR public involvement guidance

Looking for

People affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, family members and carers

Closing date

30 September 2026

About the opportunity

The project

When a doctor suspects cancer, a CT scan is often used to help make a diagnosis. The scan itself may only take a few minutes, but patients often wait longer for a specialist to review the images and prepare a report.

Researchers at Barts Health NHS Trust are developing ARCNet, an artificial intelligence tool that can review CT scans while they are waiting to be assessed by a radiologist. The aim is to help identify scans that may need urgent attention so they can be reviewed sooner.

The artificial intelligence tool does not make decisions on its own. Every scan will still be reviewed and reported on by a radiologist.

The research team is setting up a patient and public involvement panel to make sure the project reflects the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer.

What people will do

As a panel member, you will:

  • Help shape the priorities of the research project

  • Share your views and experiences of cancer diagnosis and care

  • Review information and materials designed for patients

  • Advise on how research findings should be communicated to patients and the public

  • Provide feedback during panel meetings and occasional document reviews

No medical, research or technical knowledge is needed.

Who they’re looking for

The team would like to hear from:

  • People who have had cancer

  • People currently affected by cancer

  • Cancer survivors

  • Family members of someone affected by cancer

  • Carers of someone affected by cancer

Your lived experience is the most important qualification for this role.

Why this involvement matters

By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you can help researchers:

  • Focus on issues that matter most to patients

  • Develop patient information that is clear and accessible

  • Understand concerns and expectations about the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare

  • Ensure research findings are shared in meaningful ways

Your input will help make the project more relevant and useful for people affected by cancer

Support offered

  • Payment for your time

  • Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

  • Support from the research team throughout your involvement

How they’ll use people’s views

The research team will use feedback from panel members to:

  • Shape the direction and priorities of the project

  • Improve patient-facing information and materials

  • Guide how results are communicated to patients and the public

  • Ensure patient perspectives are considered throughout the research

How to take part

To find out more or register your interest use the button or contact:

What happens next

The research team will review expressions of interest and contact potential panel members with more information about the opportunity, including onboarding arrangements, meeting schedules and payment details.

Register your interest