As a clinician scientist, I am a keen proponent of public engagement with science and research. I was an Oxford regional Fame Lab finalists (a science talk event) in 2011 and represented different studies in the Oxford BRC (Biomedical Research Centre) research open days. As a principal investigator for the Oxford Abdominal Aortic study, I have been a key driving force behind the range of public and patient engagement activities which aim to ascertain patients’ preferences in terms of surgical treatment in specific settings. I am exploring the importance of a values based approach to research practice through these experiences