MAGENTA News. Published 11/02/2026
When people think of science, they might picture labs, data, and experiments. But in many research projects, like MAGENTA, team members are also working closely with communities to ensure research is relevant and inclusive.
To mark the International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we are celebrating three members of our team, Sophie Barry, Claire Newman, and Ayaan Farah, whose work with communities is helping shape how our research is designed, delivered, and communicated.
Supporting participants in the community
Sophie Barry is MAGENTA’s Research Midwife. She supports participants throughout their journey in the study, recruiting pregnant women and staying with them for a series of check-ups for both mum and baby.
Between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, Sophie meets participants every two weeks to take samples, including blood, saliva, urine, sweat, nasal swabs, and hair. She also answers questions and provides support along the way. Her work shows how care, clear communication, and personal connection are at the heart of good research.
Sophie Barry and MAGENTA Participant
“Research works best when people feel informed, supported, and at ease,” Sophie said. “My job is about building trust and guiding participants through every step, so they understand what taking part in the study means.”
Connecting with communities
Claire and Ayaan lead MAGENTA’s Patient Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) work, making sure the project reflects the people it is designed to benefit.
They manage the PPIE group, which is made up of 26 individuals from around the UK, who meet regularly, to share their thoughts, ask questions, and give feedback on MAGENTA. Over the past year, the PPIE group under the guidance of Claire and Ayan, has reviewed study materials, offered feedback on research plans, and shaped how findings are shared.
One PPIE member said: “The richness of the PPIE group, with each person bringing their own experiences and insights, ensures a holistic outlook and adds real value to the project.”
“Working with the PPIE group means we hear directly from the people our research is meant to help,” said Claire. “Their input helps MAGENTA stay accessible, relevant, and inclusive, and it helps us communicate the project clearly to participants and the wider public.”
Following a successful engagement at the 2025 Swansea Science Festival, this year, Claire and Ayan are taking MAGENTA directly into the heart of the community—visiting local libraries, family fun days, midwifery and parenting centres across Swansea and Port Talbot – to help answer questions, raise awareness, and encourage participation.
“A lot of people don’t realise how research connects to their lives,” Ayaan adds. “By engaging with the community in familiar and comfortable spaces, we can open up those conversations in a friendly and accessible way”
Ayan Farah at Science Festival
Placing people at the centre of research
“The work of Sophie, Claire, and Ayaan shows how community-facing roles are vital. They broaden access to research, build trust, make science more relevant, and show that careers in science can include communication, care, and community leadership.
At MAGENTA, placing people at the centre of our research ensures that we stay relevant, inclusive, and our work is shaped together with the communities involved.”
Prof Lucy Griffiths and Dr Amy Mizen, Co-PI leads, MAGENTA
MAGENTA is proud to be a female-strong team, with many of our members working together across different roles to deliver this research. Find out more about our team here.