The group provides a forum to enable researchers to engage and listen to the public and for the public to directly support, challenge and participate in the design and delivery of research.
We want to make sure that the public and patient voice is included in all aspects of AWRC research as we develop new ideas and products that aim to help people to move more and improve wellbeing.
Why do we need the group?
Public involvement is a valuable and essential part of the way research is prioritised, designed, run and shared. Public involvement is seen as a way to improve the quality and running of research projects, inform the exchange of knowledge between researchers and practice, and drive the translation of research and its positive impact on people beyond the academic community.
The PIRG members will meet virtually or face to face and regularly review research at any and all stages of the research cycle and improve the quality of AWRC research.
What does the group do?
The group will review ongoing research, funding applications, and ideas and products designed to improve people’s wellbeing. This will help us focus our work and find out what’s important to people in the community and beyond.
Research projects and proposals will be reviewed as a group during quarterly meetings and individually.
What will it involve for members?
To get involved, all you’ll need to do is:
- attend virtual or face to face meetings three or four times a year,
- read and consider research proposals, and
- feed back your ideas
Members do not need any qualifications or any knowledge of research. A willingness to participate in discussions and provide views is all that is required.
We’ll provide full training to help you learn more about our research and get the most out of your role.
It’s a great opportunity to get involved in what we do and influence future projects.
What we hope to achieve for researchers
It will be a source of help and advice from the public who will gain experience in reading and evaluating lay summaries and commenting on the opportunities and methods of recruitment. In addition, researchers may want to seek public involvement before and after research funding application submission and during the life of a research project.
What we offer to PIRG members
- Reimbursement of travel costs to the AWRC
- Refreshments and during meetings
- Full induction and training to support your involvement
- Materials and continued contact to support your participation
If you are interested in being involved in this group, please complete the expression of interest form here and someone from the PIRG coordination team will contact you to provide more information and answer any queries you may have.
Contact us at awrcpirg@shu.ac.uk
