Researchers are not asking people to take part in the AIM study yet. They would instead love your feedback on how to find and approach people who might be suitable to take part in future, and how samples and health information should be used.
What is the AIM Study?
In conditions like lupus, vasculitis and scleroderma, the immune system does not work in the same way as in a healthy person. These conditions can be categorised using umbrella terms such as autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
Although treatment has improved, big questions remain. We still do not fully understand:
- Why some people develop a disease while others do not, even when their immune systems show similar changes
- Why some people have repeated flares while others remain in remission
- Why the same treatment can work very well for one person but not another
The Autoimmune & Immune-Mediated disease mechanisms (AIM) study will look at these questions across several similar conditions, rather than looking at each one separately. The research team hope this will show what is happening in the immune system, including what is unique to each condition and what some of them have in common.
It is a long-term observational study. This means it will collect information and samples over time, without changing anyone’s treatment.
Deadline to provide feedback: Friday 30th October 2026
When and where: In your own time / online
What’s involved:
- Read the review guide (optional – around 5 minutes)
- Read the study summary and suggested questions (around 15 to 20 minutes)
- Share feedback on the study by email (around 5 to 35 minutes)
Total time: Around 20 minutes to 1 hour
People they’re looking for:
- Aged 18 or over
- Living in the UK
- Living with lupus or another autoimmune or inflammatory condition (diagnosed or suspected)
No research experience is needed to get involved – everyone’s thoughts are welcome!
Payment & Expenses: Not provided
How your input will be used: To refine the AIM study documents, and in particular, improve the current plan for finding and approaching potential participants, before they sign the consent form.
Feedback: The research team will prepare a short summary of the main themes raised and explain what changes were made to the AIM study as a result. This will be shared via Lupus UK and/or directly to contributors by email. The team can also provide appropriate updates as the study progresses.
Interested in getting involved? Email [email protected], mentioning the opportunity you are interested in. For more information about the study, contact Dr Shirish Dubey at [email protected].
Organised by: This study is led by Dr Shirish Dubey at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Oxford. The study is currently being developed using existing institutional research infrastructure, with applications for additional external research funding planned.