What was the purpose?
Look for the decisions that were open to influence and why public insight was relevant to the research question or approach.
Library of research projects
Research project database
A structured place to explore how public involvement has been planned, supported and reflected on across health, public health and social care research projects.
Using this database
Look beyond the project title
Project records can help readers understand the practical choices behind public involvement: who was invited to contribute, when collaboration began and how teams described its influence.
This database is intended as a learning resource, not a measure of quality or a complete record of every project. Context matters. Read entries alongside project materials and consider what would need to change for another setting, question or community.
Read with purpose
Questions to bring to each project
A useful record shows more than activity. It helps readers consider the purpose, conditions and consequences of involvement.
Whose perspectives mattered?
Consider how contributors were identified, whether access needs were addressed and which experiences may still have been absent.
What changed?
Notice where teams describe a contribution, a decision and the reason for it, including when a suggested change was not possible.
What is included
A consistent way to examine project learning
01 / Context
Research focus
Basic information about the subject area, setting and point in the research pathway helps make an entry easier to interpret.
02 / Approach
Involvement activity
Entries may identify the ways people contributed, from early priority setting through to reviewing materials and sharing findings.
03 / Support
Conditions for participation
Practical arrangements, accessible information, time and feedback all affect whether involvement can be meaningful.
04 / Reflection
Influence and learning
Project reflection can highlight what was changed, what remained challenging and what a future team may wish to plan differently.
A practical reading route
From an individual record to useful learning
Use the database as a prompt for careful comparison rather than a ready-made template.
Start with the question
Identify the health, care or public health issue the project was trying to understand or improve.
Review the involvement plan
Consider where contributors entered the work and what scope they had to shape decisions.
Check the practical conditions
Look for information about communication, access, support and the time available for collaboration.
Apply learning carefully
Adapt useful ideas to your own context and explain the reasons for any changes to your approach.
Related resources
Build a stronger involvement plan
Combine project learning with clear principles and accessible information for everyone involved.
Briefing notes for researchers
Prompts for setting a purpose, planning roles and recording how involvement affects a project.
Explore researcher resources →Plain-English summaries
Support for explaining the purpose, approach and relevance of research without unnecessary jargon.
Read plain-English guidance →Involvement standards
Principles that support inclusive opportunities, communication, learning and visible influence.
Read standards guidance →
Common questions
Research project database FAQ
What is the purpose of the research project database?
It brings project-based learning together in one place, helping readers examine how public involvement has been described across different research contexts.
Does an entry show that a project used the best possible approach?
No. A record provides context for learning. It should be read critically, with attention to the project’s aims, resources, contributors and constraints.
Can a project record be copied into a new study plan?
Use entries as prompts rather than templates. A new project needs its own purpose, contributor relationships, accessible arrangements and feedback plan.
What should research teams record about involvement?
Teams should record the purpose of involvement, who contributed, what support was offered, the decisions considered and what changed as a result.
How can members of the public use the database?
Readers can use records to identify questions to ask about roles, support, communication and whether contributors will hear how their input is used.
Where can I find an introduction to public involvement?
Visit the essentials of public involvement or explore the wider resource centre.
Need a starting point?
Email InvolvestoryFind the right guidance for your project
Send a concise description of your question and the stage your work has reached. Involvestory will help you identify relevant material on this site.