New publication explores Public Involvement and Community Engagement in research

A new book offering novel insights into meaningful Public Involvement and Community Engagement (PICE) across a wide range of contexts has been co-curated by experts from Northumbria University.

Public Involvement and Community Engagement in Applied Health and Social Care Research: Critical Perspectives and Innovative Practice is aimed at researchers who want to make sure that their work is inclusive, equitable and impactful, and each engaging chapter offers a complete exploration of a specific aspect of PICE work, including real-life illustrative practice examples.

It includes powerful reflections and insights from professional groups, marginalised communities and people with lived experience. The edited collection is available in an open access format, enabling anyone to read and apply its insights to enhance their research practice.

The collection’s lead editor Dr Will McGovern is an Associate Professor of Marginalised Communities and Director of Public, User, and Patient Involvement for the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at Northumbria University. Dr McGovern is also the academic co-lead for Patient and Public and Engagement for IDEAS-NET (National Evaluation Team), which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

He said: “Over the last two decades, PICE work has progressed from being an idea worthy of consideration to a central feature and requirement of research practice. As such, working together with members of the public and different communities based on location, identity, experience, and interest is now recognised as vital to the co-production of high-quality research, research design, and knowledge exchange. This is especially the case in health and social care.

“This collection invites critical thinking, reflection and dialogue, encouraging researchers, practitioners, and communities to think deeply about their approaches to PICE.

“By sharing lived experiences and practical examples, we hope to create a ‘brave space’ for learning and growth, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and impact of health and social care research through meaningful Public Involvement and Community Engagement.”

The collection, published by Emerald Publishing, brings together contributions from a wide range of researchers from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and subject areas. It has also been shaped by significant input and guidance from public and practice partners. Monique Lhussier, Professor in Public Health and Wellbeing and the Director of the Centre for Health and Social Equity (CHASE) at Northumbria University; Dr Hayley Alderson, NIHR Advanced Fellow and Senior Research Associate from Newcastle University; and Dr Bethany Kate Bareham, Senior Research Associate at Newcastle University, worked with Dr McGovern to edit the book.

Claire Ashmore, Programme Manager from Three NIHR Research Schools’ Mental Health Programme, provided the foreword for the book. She said: “The journey through this collection is one of discovery, challenge, and inspiration, offering valuable insights for anyone committed to advancing PICE in research.”

An eBook edition of the title is available via open access – which has been jointly funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria (NENC), the Centre For Health and Social Equity (CHASE) at Northumbria University, and Newcastle City Council.

The eBook is available for download from via this link.

The collection will be available in paperback format from Monday 1 December 2025. Copies can be pre-ordered using this link.