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York to join partnership to improve Public Involvement in Research

York first higher education institution to sign up to partnership to improve Public Involvement in Research

Posted on 10 March 2025

The University of York has become the first higher education institution (HEI) to join a partnership that fosters better collaboration between researchers and members of the public.

York has backed a partnership spearheaded by the Health Research Authority (HRA), the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and a host of other organisations, in pledging support to its Shared Commitment to Public Involvement.

Public good

This landmark move underscores the University’s commitment to ensuring research is relevant, impactful, and serves the public good.

The partnership, now with 32 members, empowers researchers through training and support to involve patients in their work, with the ultimate goal of improving the extent and quality of public involvement across the sector so that it is consistently excellent.

As part of the partnership, York is committed to sharing best practice, championing public involvement, and fostering collaboration between researchers and the public, both locally and nationally.

Research strategy

And it builds on the success of Involvement@York, which has championed public involvement in health and social care research since 2018.

In 2023, the University’s research strategy prioritised the growth of public participation and involvement and broadened Involvement@York’s remit to include all areas of research.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery said the partnership will make it easier for researchers and the public to work together.

He said: “We are immensely proud to be the first HEI to join the Shared Commitment.

“This partnership reflects our deep-seated belief that research should be conducted for the public good, and that meaningful engagement with the public is essential for achieving this goal.

“By actively involving the public in our research, we ensure that our work is relevant, impactful, and truly addresses the needs of communities.

“We are excited to collaborate with the HRA, NIHR and other partners to drive forward public involvement in health and social care research, and across all our research disciplines.”

Public involvement

Dr Matt Westmore, HRA Chief Executive, says, ‘It’s great to have the The University of York join our Shared Commitment to Public Involvement. We launched the Shared Commitment with other leading organisations, to raise the profile, value and importance of public involvement in health and social care research.

“Together we are sending a very strong message to the research system that public involvement in the design and delivery of research is essential and must be taken seriously.

“The evidence is that better research results from involvement, and better research delivers benefits for patients.’

Chris Walker, York’s first Public Contributor and Chair of the Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group, said: “It’s rare to find anyone as genuinely sincere and knowledgeable about public involvement and therefore a great pleasure to be working with Involvement@York.”