Engagement
Public Involvement
The NIHR defines public involvement in research as “research being carried out ‘with’ or ‘by’ members of the public rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them”. Examples of public and patient involvement activity include working with researchers to develop or comment on research materials, providing advice as members of a project steering group, and undertaking elements of research e.g. conducting interviews with participants.
Public Engagement
The NIHR defines public engagement as “where information and knowledge about research is provided and disseminated”. Examples of public engagement activity include disseminating the findings of a study to research participants, colleagues or members of the public, raising awareness of research through media such as television programmes, newspapers and social media and open days at research centres where members of the public are invited to find out about research.
How you can get involved
The NIHR is keen for patients and the public to be actively involved in the work they support as key partners in the research.
If you would like to get involved with research you can get more information from the NIHR by visiting https://www.nihr.ac.uk/patients-carers-and-the-public/ or you can contact your local NIHR BRC.