Where do people find opportunities to get involved in research?

Result sharing from the UK PRP Survey

When I asked patient research partners (PRPs) how they first found out about opportunities to get involved, the responses that came back from the survey painted an interesting picture. Many were invited directly by clinicians, researchers, or healthcare professionals—sometimes blurring the lines between these roles. Others stumbled across involvement opportunities through internet searches, peer groups, or social media. 

Yet, the most common route by far was through patient organisations—trusted spaces where people often feel heard, understood, and empowered. It raises an important reflection: are we relying too heavily on these groups to connect people with research? What about those who aren’t involved in a patient organisation or don’t know where to look? 

There seems to be untapped potential in places like GP surgeries, community health spaces, or even local libraries—everyday settings where people naturally gather but might not expect to hear about research. If we truly want involvement to reflect a broad range of voices, perhaps it’s time to think beyond the usual routes and find ways to meet people where they are. 

Researchers could work more closely with local services, primary care networks, and community hubs to share involvement opportunities more widely. Posters, leaflets, or talks in GP practices, libraries, pharmacies, and even workplaces could open new doors. PRPs themselves can also play a part—sharing opportunities within their networks, speaking at local support groups, or collaborating on accessible content that demystifies what getting involved really means. Sometimes, it just takes one person to spark interest and confidence in someone else. 

Where would you have expected to hear about research involvement? And where might we do better?

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