I do not ascribe to the view that you have to be ‘scientific literate’ as a pre-requisite to taking part in science.  In the same way that I do not think you need to be fluent in French before you can enjoy a holiday or set up home there.  Nothing beats immersion in the way of life in my view.

But I do believe the opportunity to learn beforehand can go a long way. It can build confidence. It can help you navigate the unfamiliar.  Plus it’s fun and exciting to feel as though you are learning new things.

Late last year the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) pioneered a new, free online course – otherwise know as a Massive Open Online Course or MOOC for short – entitled ‘Improving Healthcare through Clinical Research.’  It is open to everyone – from patients and the public to health professionals.

The course looks at the detail of research and how we do it. Brought to life through case studies, it covers topics such as; how research is helping to find new ways of treating and providing care for some of the major diseases including cancer and dementia. It also focuses on important ethical questions raised by clinical research.

It appears to be taking the world by storm. Quite simply thousands of people from around the world have signed up to take part in its first showing and raving about it.  Everywhere I have been this week – from Manchester to London – I have met people giving it five star reviews. One patient said it was ‘fantastic.’  Another person described it as ‘brilliant.’

Here you can watch a new NIHR CRN video in which public contributors talk about the course and what they liked about it.

And the great thing is that if, like me, you missed it first time round you can now register for the next course beginning on 6th June.  Somehow it feels appropriate to be opening a new

I’m off to register and I hope you will to.