This is a review into public involvement in research with a specific focus on non-clinical health and biomedical research. It explores public involvement culture and practice within MRC and the external research landscape.
We commissioned Vocal to conduct the review. The team included:
- researchers
- public involvement practitioners
- public partners
Vocal worked with an external advisory group including:
- public partners
- involvement practitioners
- scientists and researchers
- representatives of research organisations
Summary of review findings
The findings show that there is a significant amount of active public involvement taking place across the wider landscape of non-clinical research and within MRC.
To enable and achieve the potential of public involvement, we need to develop our culture, within head office and in the MRC-funded research community. Research environments should enable person-focused, inclusive, reciprocal and valued relationships with people, patients and communities.
The review provides:
- recommendations to support the development of a new MRC public involvement and engagement strategy
- knowledge and evidence to support the growing community of practice in public involvement with non-clinical health research
Read a personal perspective on the benefits of taking public involvement into the research lab, by Rachel Knowles, Lead for Clinical Research Policy, Ethics and Governance at MRC.