More than just guinea pigs: public involvement in research

The COVID-19 pandemic has invariably impacted various populations - and some people are still living with its consequences. This talk focuses on how I chose to respond to the pandemic: by working closely with those I most care about. I will share my experience of working with ‘non-researchers’ through two projects (Empower Islington and Humanizing Hospitals), how it’s beneficial for everyone, and why I will continue to involve non-researchers in the work that I do. In sharing my journey, I hope you too will embark on new partnerships and enjoy the process of working with communities the way that I have to make an even bigger impact to our society.

Citizen ‘social’ science is challenging conventional ideas about whose knowledge and experience counts when it comes to generating scientific evidence about the major social challenges of our times. It is transforming the way social scientists and the public work together, driving a new ‘bottom-up’ social science with citizens setting research questions, collecting, and analysing data. Discover how policy and strategy change when citizen social scientists in east London lead research about the determinants, and obstacles, to prosperity in their communities.