Celebrating one year of PIRIT

The Public Involvement in Research Impact Toolkit (PIRIT) is marking its first anniversary since its launch. Over the last year, the toolkit has not only transformed the way researchers address public involvement planning and evaluation, it has also become an exemplar of collaboration in the research community.

This free, co-produced resource aims to help researchers working with the public to plan meaningful involvement in research alongside helping to track and demonstrate the difference it makes. Throughout 2023, the PIRIT team has focused on extensive engagement efforts, presenting and debating with diverse audiences through conferences, talks, workshops and training events. These activities not only strengthened existing relationships but also forged new ones with members of the public and professionals in the public and third sectors.

Research funders and regulators, including Health and Care Research Wales, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Health Research Authority have actively endorsed and promoted dissemination of the toolkit. Marie Curie and Health and Care Research Wales have even incorporated PIRIT into their grant application guidance. 

Peter Gee, Senior Public Involvement Manager at Health and Care Research Wales said: 

“The PIRIT toolkit is extremely useful for us at Health and Care Research Wales, it forms part of our guidance for researchers when applying for funding and ensures public involvement runs through everything we do. It’s easy to use for both the members of the public and researchers and we’re looking forward to receiving more feedback on how it has worked in practice, shaping truly life-changing research.”

PIRIT is being used by individual PhD students and large research teams alike. The toolkit has also made its mark on several studies, including the COBra study and the SERENITY study. 

Exciting developments lie ahead for PIRIT, with a paper on its development and evaluation set for publication and further dissemination and implementation planned. To meet the rising demand from individuals and organisations for PIRIT demonstrations, a Toolkit tour and FAQs document will be filmed and added to relevant webpages.

For more information about the achievements of the PIRIT toolkit visit the Wales Cancer Research Centre's website.