Overcoming the disconnect between scientific research and the public

Abstract

In biomedical research, there is no situation where public engagement (PE) and public involvement (PI) are not possible, important or even expected. Whether we work in the clinic or in the laboratory, all researchers have a duty to reach out, demonstrate the added value that science brings to society, and make a real difference to the way research is done. Here we outline the benefits of PE and PI for individual researchers and their employers, for members of the public, and for society at large. We offer solutions to overcome major challenges, including a step-by-step guide for researchers to embrace PE and PI in their career, and make a call to action for a cultural shift towards embedding PE and PI in our modern academic environment.

A culture shift to support public involvement and engagement in research

“…Embracing public involvement and engagement has multiple direct advantages for individual researchers and their employing institutions (Eberl et al, 2023). By communicating scientific concepts to different audiences and addressing their concerns, public involvement and engagement-active researchers learn to better communicate both at a professional and at a lay level.…”

“…This is especially true if activities are not planned as part of the research or indeed teaching process, and if outputs are relatively limited in scope. There are no "quick wins," as this is in essence an investment into creating a modern research culture and redefining the role of a researcher in the 21st century (Eberl et al, 2023).…”

Superbugs online: co-production of an educational website to increase public understanding of the microbial world in, on, and around us

“…Digital tools and online presence have become a cornerstone in public engagement and involvement strategy and delivery ( Evans-Cowley and Hollander, 2010 ; O’Donoghue, 2020 ). The COVID-19 pandemic enforced an involuntary pivot to such virtual approaches—extended periods of lockdowns, closure of public spaces and schools, and social distancing meant that public engagement activities had to adapt or stand still ( Cardiff University, 2023 ; Eberl et al, 2023 ). ‘Superbugs’, a research-driven initiative at Cardiff University and Swansea University, aimed at improving public understanding of the microbial world in, on, and around us ( Tyrrell et al, 2022 ), was no different.…”

Diversity in patient and public involvement in healthcare research and education—Realising the potential

“…14 Patients and the wider public can be involved in different aspects of teaching and research, and this can have several benefits for all involved, including: Members of the public feeling empowered and valued, gaining confidence and life skills; researchers developing a 'greater understanding and insight into their research area, gaining respect and a good rapport with the community'; the community becoming 'more aware and knowledgeable about their condition'. [15][16][17][18] Despite progress in the field, PPI continues to be open to criticisms of being tokenistic, selective and unrepresentative. 19 Often where PPI is implemented, it is on a local individual level, for example, reviewing researcher lay summaries and patient information sheets or sharing personal experiences with healthcare students.…”