Practical support for meaningful Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement in research

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is a core expectation of NIHR-funded research. Strong PPIE goes beyond consultation or data collection and involves working with people and communities as partners throughout the research lifecycle.

Through the NIHR Research Support Service, we provide expert advice, resources and funding guidance to help researchers design, cost and deliver PPIE that is ethical and inclusive.

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Read more about PPIE FAQ and Resources | Read more about Pre-application PPIE funding

PPIE FAQs and Resources

What is PPIE and why do I need it embedded in my NIHR application?

At a minimum*, the NIHR would expect an advisory group consisting of the population / community affected that meets throughout the duration of the project.  This is not the same as running qualitative data collection activities within your project.

* Sometimes it may not be feasible or appropriate to meet in a group setting (e.g., due to an individual’s specific communications needs, or preferences or perhaps when facilitating PPIE in a prison or forensic mental health setting) and therefore individual or a combination of both individual and group setting PPIE activities may be suitable in certain circumstances.

What are the ways in which people can be involved in the different stages of the research cycle?

Have you identified a PPIE lead for your study with relevant skills and/or experience for a grant of this size / nature and with the population / community you want to involve? 

  • NIHR Guidance on PPIE Lead
    (Note: fellowships may not always have a PPIE lead, but a mentor, supervisor or community partner who has this expertise)

How do you plan to cost your proposed PPIE activities in your grant application?

Would you like additional training on PPIE?