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People's Principles for Involvement in R&D

The People’s Principles for Involvement in R&D were developed collaboratively by 33 members of the public, drawn from across the UK, through a public dialogue exercise. The principles represent participants’ hopes, and address their concerns, about involvement in R&D.

They highlight the importance of increasing awareness of involvement in R&D through communicating the benefits for participants, researchers, and wider society. Underpinning these benefits was the idea that public involvement should use the public’s expertise to add value for society. They show what would increase connection with, and trust in, R&D, as well as reduce participants’ concerns that involvement could be tokenistic.

They demonstrate a clear appetite among the public for access to more opportunities to be involved in R&D. The sector has a choice about how to live up to the public’s expectations. We hope that the People’s Principles will provoke a discussion and further galvanise action.

Hear about the People's Principles from the participants

For clarity, references to ‘participants’ in these principles refer to any participant in a hypothetical case of public involvement in R&D, rather than to the participants in this dialogue process itself. References to ‘public’ refer to the general public.

1. Public involvement in R&D should use the public’s expertise to benefit the participants, the research and wider society.

  • Researchers benefit when they really hear and listen to the public.
  • The public gain knowledge and skills when they are meaningfully involved.
  • The community benefits from the R&D at the end of the project.
  • For this to happen, the right amount of time, money and energy needs to be invested in involving the public.

2. Public involvement in R&D should provide everything that participants need to feel properly informed

  • Honesty about the purpose of involvement and how the public’s views will be used will help to build trust.
  • Transparency about who funds the project, and why, will help to build trust.
  • The public should hear the results, so they know the impact of their involvement.
  • All information should be clear so that people feel informed rather than overwhelmed.

3. Public involvement in R&D should involve the right number of people with a range of experiences

  • A diverse group of people brings a range of experiences and perspectives to the research.
  • Involving people with the right experience means researchers can learn from the public’s expertise.
  • The number of people involved needs to match the scope of the project, so the public have confidence in the results.
  • Researchers should make opportunities for involvement accessible, well-known, and make sure no one is excluded.

4. Public involvement in R&D should ensure that participants feel safe, heard, and invested in the research

  • Participants need to trust the integrity of the process.
  • Participants need to feel confident that their views and data are handled responsibly.
  • Participants need to feel safe to share their experiences and engage with new research.
  • Participants should feel invested in the opportunity.

People's Principles for Involvement in R&D