A practical guide for collaborative applications
A public co-applicant is a member of the public who works alongside the research team on an application. Their perspective can help make plans more relevant, accessible and accountable to the people affected by the research.
This guide sets out considerations for involving public co-applicants thoughtfully. It is useful when preparing a funding application and when agreeing how the team will work together once a project begins.
Use the guidance as a conversation starter
Discuss the purpose of the role early. Be clear about the decisions a public co-applicant can influence, what information they will receive, how meetings will work and what support is available.
Who this guidance is for
- Researchers planning to include a public co-applicant in a study.
- Public contributors considering whether a co-applicant role is right for them.
- Research staff coordinating public involvement or supporting funding applications.
- People working with research organisations that review and process applications.
What a co-applicant role can involve
Responsibilities differ between projects. A public co-applicant may help shape the research question, comment on the application, review participant-facing information, contribute to meetings or help the team communicate its work. The role should be agreed in a way that is realistic, meaningful and properly supported.
Good practice includes explaining any formal responsibilities in plain language, sharing documents with enough time for review, avoiding unnecessary jargon and checking that ways of working remain suitable as the project develops.
Publication details
This archived guide was published in January 2019. It is 24 pages long and should be read alongside current local processes, funder requirements and research governance arrangements.