HeRC’s public Forum (H@PPI) have conducted an investigation into the role of public involvement at 12 UK funding bodies.
The review looked at whether each organisation required applicants to submit lay summaries of their research at the grant application stage and to what extent members of the public are involved in making funding decisions.
The Forum also conducted an audit of each funding body, gathering information (or data) on their total research spend, the type of research they funded and identifying any key funding themes and/or priorities.
Sarah Fox, PPIE Lead at the Health eResearch Centre said: “This project was led by our patient Forum. The group wanted to gain an insight into the value UK funding bodies placed on public involvement and the extent to which funders make provision to include the patient/public voice in their work.
“The great news is that what they found is really encouraging. All of the funding councils recognise the value of PPI and many make an effort to include the views and opinions of patients and members of the public in their work. It seems as though the landscape is changing and PPI is securing a place at the heart of health research.”