Join MAYA, a Horizon Europe Project on smart mirrors supporting healthier lives of Adolescents and Young Adults after cancer

Background
We are launching an open call to recruit 4 to 5 co-researchers to actively participate in a Horizon Europe research project focused on improving the long-term cardiovascular health of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) affected by cancer and their families.
This project explores the use of smart mirror technologies to monitor and manage cardiovascular-related late effects of cancer treatments. Importantly, the research is grounded in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) principles—this means doing research with patients and public members, not merely on or for them.
In the MAYA project, co-researchers are young cancer survivors, their family members or caregivers who work side-by-side with researchers, using their lived experience to help shape the study and ensure it stays relevant, ethical and patient-centred.
As a co-researcher, you will collaborate with an international multidisciplinary team of scientists, researchers, clinicians, technologists, academia, designers, industrial experts, social innovators, patient advocates, policy specialists and biomedical engineers to shape the design, development, and implementation of this innovative intervention.

Who are we looking for?
We invite AYA cancer survivors (18 years of age or more), family members, or caregivers who have lived experience of cancer and are interested in actively engaging in research.
You do not need any formal training in research, just a genuine interest in improving healthcare, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to collaborate.
We welcome expressions of interest from European-based people with diverse backgrounds, including across age, gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and levels of digital literacy.
As the project’s working language is English, a reasonable level of comfort with the language is important to help ensure meaningful participation in meetings and activities.

What will you do as a co-researcher?
As a co-researcher, you will:

Be actively involved in activities across different Work Packages (areas of work) of the project.
Help co-design the clinical study, including recruitment methods, outcomes, and patient-facing materials.
Work alongside the project team to identify needs, barriers and practical solutions related to the real-world implementation of and effective application of the integrated smart mirror technologies to improve both physical and emotional outcomes.
Participate in workshops, discussions, evaluations, and dissemination activities.
Share your experiences and contribute to research decisions that are patient-centered, inclusive, personalised and meaningful.

You will receive training and continuous accompaniment from the project team to build skills in research, communication, and technical understanding. Your voice and input will be essential throughout the project.

Time Commitment and Compensation

The project has just started in June 2025 and runs over 4 years, with varying levels of engagement throughout.
We estimate your participation will require a minimum of 12–18 days per year, depending on your availability and tasks.
Participation will foresee a financial compensation, recognising your time, expertise, and contribution. Compensation will follow local guidelines and regulations.

How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a co-researcher, please submit the following documents by 11 September 2025:

1. Expression of Interest (max 1 page), briefly describing:
Your background and motivation
Any relevant experiences (e.g., lived experience, voluntary work, public speaking, digital health engagement)
What you hope to gain and contribute as a co-researcher
2. Short CV or Biography (max 2 pages): This can be informal and focus on life and personal experiences rather than professional credentials.

We are happy to accept alternative formats (e.g., video), if you prefer, to ensure the process is accessible.
Please send your application to info@shine2.eu with subject-line MAYA co-researchers.

Recruitment process
All applications will be reviewed by a panel that includes researchers and patient representatives. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a short online conversation to ensure mutual fit and expectations. The final selection will aim to reflect a diversity of experiences and backgrounds.

Questions?
If you would like more information or support to apply, please contact info@shine2.eu
We will be very happy to help.
Together, we can design tools that truly reflect the needs and hopes of cancer survivors like you.

Final note
We are committed to equity, inclusion, and respectful collaboration. Your insights as someone with lived experience are not just welcome, but ESSENTIAL. We look forward to working with you to co-create better and more human-centered solutions.