MRC-Funded project to transform Patient and Public Involvement in Statistical Methodology Research
A pioneering new research initiative led by Professor Laura Gray at the University of Leicester has been awarded funding by the Medical Research Council (MRC) under its Better Methods for Better Research (BMBR) programme. The project, running from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2027, aims to revolutionise how patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is conducted in statistical methodology research.
Statistical methods underpin much of health research, guiding how studies are designed and data are analysed. However, involving patients and the public in this highly technical field has long posed challenges. This new project seeks to bridge that gap by developing practical, impactful guidance to support both researchers and public contributors in meaningful collaboration.
The project will:
- Review existing literature and guidance on PPIE in technical research fields.
- Conduct interviews, observe PPIE meetings, and analyse study documents to identify what works.
- Develop detailed case studies to highlight best practices and common challenges.
- Co-create new guidance through workshops with researchers and public contributors.
The final guidance will be made freely available via the NIHR website and promoted through a virtual launch event, social media, academic conferences, and webinars. The team also plans to collaborate with the NIHR Research Support Service to ensure the guidance reaches statistical methodologists preparing funding applications.
Beyond statistical methodology, the guidance is expected to benefit other technical disciplines such as data science and health economics, helping to embed lived experience into research that ultimately aims to improve lives.
The Research Team
Julie Roberts, Lead Researcher (University of Leicester)
Samina Begum, PPI Co-Investigator
Laura Gray, Principal Investigator (University of Leicester)
Nicola Mackintosh, Co-Investigator (University of Leicester)
Michelle O’Reilly, Co-Investigator (University of Leicester)
Christopher Newby, Co-Investigator (University of Nottingham)
Beatriz Goulao, Co-Investigator (University of Aberdeen)