Shape plans and priorities
Help identify questions that matter, comment on research priorities or review whether a proposed project feels relevant.
For members of the public
How to get involved in research
Public involvement gives people a meaningful role in shaping health, public health and social care research: from the questions that are asked to the way findings are shared.
A place to start
Your experience can help make research more relevant
Researchers can benefit from the knowledge people gain through everyday life, using services, caring for someone, or living with a health condition or disability.
Getting involved is different from taking part in a study. Rather than providing data as a participant, you may help people plan research, review information, discuss decisions or communicate findings in clearer ways.
There are many kinds of health and social care research. Some explore the causes of ill health or assess treatments. Others consider care, support and services for people of different ages and circumstances.
Possible roles
Ways you may contribute
Your role depends on the project and your interests. You do not need to be a research expert to bring useful insight.
Improve information
Review invitations, information sheets, consent materials and summaries so they are understandable and accessible.
Join a group
Bring a public perspective to an advisory, management or steering group as a project develops.
Help share learning
Discuss what results mean in practice and help teams communicate findings in ways people can use.
The difference you can make
Public insight can strengthen research throughout a project
People involved in research can help teams test assumptions, notice gaps and keep attention on the real-world context of a question.
- Make sure research questions reflect what matters to people affected by an issue.
- Help projects communicate with potential participants respectfully and clearly.
- Bring another perspective to decisions about research design and delivery.
- Support findings to be shared in forms that are easier to understand and use.
Getting started
A practical route into involvement
Take time to find a role that is clear about its purpose and works for your circumstances.
Explore the subject
Think about topics, services or experiences where you would like to contribute your perspective.
Read the opportunity
Look for clear information about the purpose, role, time commitment and available support.
Ask questions
Check how meetings work, whether materials are accessible and how expenses or other practical needs are handled.
Keep connected
Ask how decisions will be fed back and what opportunities there may be to learn from the project.
Ideas for research
Start with what needs attention
Ideas for research often come from questions people have about health, care or the support available in daily life. You may notice an issue that is under-researched, a gap in information or a service that could work better.
Writing down the problem, who it affects and why it matters can help you describe an idea clearly. You can also use public involvement opportunities to bring these concerns into conversations with research teams.
Explore communities
Common questions
Before you decide to get involved
Do I need research experience?
No. Your perspective and experience are valuable. A well-run opportunity should provide enough background information and support for you to contribute.
Is involvement the same as being a study participant?
No. A participant provides information or data for a study. Someone involved in research helps influence decisions about the research itself.
Can I ask how much time is needed?
Yes. Before agreeing, ask how often you will be expected to contribute, whether meetings take place online or in person, and how preparation time is considered.
What support should be available?
The right support varies. It may include plain-English information, accessible meeting arrangements, a named contact and clear feedback about how contributions were used.
What if I do not understand technical language?
Ask for an explanation. Research teams should make information understandable and avoid unnecessary jargon. The jargon buster can also help with common terms.
Where can I find more guidance?
Explore the resource centre or visit the full frequently asked questions page.
Need a starting point?
Email Involvestory
Ask about finding the right information
Send a concise description of the kind of involvement you want to understand. Involvestory will help you identify relevant material on this site.