Key points
- “Public involvement is not simple, but creating stronger links between universities, services, volunteers, and individuals with lived experiences is essential if the work we fund is to continue to help improve lives.” —Dr James Nicholls, Director of Research and Policy Development, Alcohol Research UK
- Public involvement can be applied to all stages of research: Research strategy; Funding allocation; Development of research plans and proposals; Carrying out primary research; Data analysis and interpretation; Peer review; Communication and dissemination
- Recommendations:
– Make it fit: The level and nature of public involvement in a given research project should be appropriate to the subject
– Invest time in building relationships
– Try to find common language that everyone is comfortable with
– It is important to manage expectations. Public involvement does not guarantee the success of a research project
– Provide remuneration and reimburse expenses
Note: Here is an outline of some ways the public has contributed to addiction research from Alcohol Research UK’s spring event on this topic. ■