Get involved in research
What is getting involved in research?
Getting involved in research means working with researchers to help shape what research gets done, how it is carried out, and how the results are shared.
You may hear people use terms like:
- PPI: Patient and Public Involvement
- PPIE: Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement
- CEI: Community Engagement and Involvement
These terms can sound technical, but the idea is simple. Researchers work with patients, carers, community members and the public so that research is more relevant, inclusive and useful.
The aim is to learn something useful that can improve health and care for people now and in the future.
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You do not need research experience!
You do not need to be a researcher, doctor, nurse or healthcare professional.
Your lived experience, community knowledge and personal perspective can help researchers understand what matters to people.
You might have experience as:
- A patient
- A carer
- A family member
- A community member
- Someone who uses health or care services
- Someone who supports others in your community
How could I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved. You might:
They may be asked to:
- Share your views in a meeting
- Help design a research project
- Comment on information given to participants
- Help researchers understand what matters to patients or communities
- Support a funding application
- Help write or review plain-English summaries
- Take part in a steering group
- Contribute to a blog post, event or public discussion
Some activities are one-off. Others last longer.
Will I be tested on?
No. Public involvement is not the same as being tested on.
You are not being treated as a research subject. You are helping shape the research as a partner, adviser or contributor.
Do I need to make a big commitment?
No. The amount of time you give can vary.
Some opportunities might take one hour. Others might involve regular meetings over months or years.
Researchers should explain:
- What the role involves
- How much time it may take
- Whether meetings are online or in person
- Whether payment or expenses are available
- What support will be provided
It is always OK to ask questions before deciding.
Will I be paid?
Many research teams and funders encourage payment or reimbursement for public involvement.
This can include payment for your time, travel expenses, childcare or carer costs, depending on the project.
Each opportunity should explain what payment or support is available.
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Will I make a difference?
Yes. Public involvement can help research:
- Ask better questions
- Focus on issues that matter to people and communities
- Be easier and fairer to take part in
- Use language people understand
- Interpret findings in a more meaningful way
- Share results with the people affected by the research
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