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New publication invites readers into a ‘brave space’ to explore the evolving landscape of 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 launches today (10 November).

The edited collection is available in an open access format, enabling anyone to read and apply its insights to enhance their research practice.

Public Involvement and Community Engagement in Applied Health and Social Care Research: Critical Perspectives and Innovative Practice is a thoughtfully curated exploration of PICE in research, exploring public involvement from a wide range of perspectives. It includes powerful reflections and insights from professional groups, marginalised communities and people with lived experience.

The collection 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.

The collection’s lead editor Dr Will McGovern is an Associate Professor of Marginalised Communities and Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Director of Public, User, and Patient Involvement at Northumbria University. Will 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 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.

The collection is structured around four connected themes:

• International, Regional, and Local Perspectives of PICE Work
• Creativity and Innovation, Perspectives and Opportunities in PICE Work
• PICE Work in Marginalised Communities
• Parents’, Carers’, Adolescents’ and Children’s Perspectives of PICE Work

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), Centre For Health and Social Equity (CHASE) at Northumbria University, and Newcastle City Council.

The eBook is available for download via this link.

The authors would be delighted for you to share the download link with others. They kindly ask that you share the link, rather than a download copy, to help monitor the reach and impact of the collection.

The collection will be available in paperback format from Monday 1 December 2025. You can pre-order a copy using this link.

The collection has been published by Emerald Publishing.

Join us for a launch event

Join us for a public involvement pop-up engagement event and the official launch of Public Involvement and Community Engagement in Applied Health and Social Care Research.

When: Thursday 27 November, 12 pm until 1.30 pm

Where: Recovery College Collective (Re-Co-Co), 1, Carliol Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6UF

There’ll be opportunities to hear from chapter authors, ask questions, network, and pick up a copy of the book. A light lunch will also be provided.

Find out more and register

More information about the collection editors

Dr William McGovern

William McGovern is an Associate Professor of Marginalised Communities at Northumbria University, and the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Director of Public, User, and Patient Involvement. He is also the academic co-lead for Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement: IDEAS-NET (NIHR). He has edited and published collections of work on safeguarding children in schools, teaching sensitive subjects, stigma, drugs and identity, as well as an anthology of poetry on substance use and mental health recovery.

Dr Hayley Alderson

Hayley Alderson is an NIHR Advanced Fellow/Senior Research Associate at Newcastle University. She has a practice background in substance misuse. To date, her research has been conducted in or has closely aligned with social care settings and seeks to benefit highly vulnerable populations such as families on the edge of care, children in care/care leavers, individuals experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and substance-misusing parents and their children. Her research has a strong focus on translational research, which is driven by a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Dr Bethany Kate Bareham

Bethany Kate Bareham, Senior Research Associate at Newcastle University, has a background in health psychology and public health. Her research aims to support vulnerable populations, including older adults and those with alcohol and mental health problems. Patient involvement is central to her approach. She has received national recognition for collaborative research.

Professor Monique Lhussier

Monique Lhussier is Professor in Public Health and Well-being at Northumbria University and the Director of the Centre for Health and Social Equity. She is driven by understanding both the experiences of marginalisation and the processes and structures that enable them so that they can be challenged.

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