Have you got a funding deadline approaching? Do you need public involvement input in writing a proposal and reviewing patient documentation?
Involving the public in funding bids for research projects is not just a ‘nice-to-have’. These days, funders are keen to see evidence of public perspectives throughout the research cycle from day one. But sometimes funder calls for applications are very short notice, which makes it more of a challenge to recruit members of the public to be involved in research. This is where the Rapid Response Group can help.
The RRG is a way to access a group of people with experience of cancer who can respond quickly to call-outs for input in the Health and Care Research Wales Public Involvement weekly bulletin.
Established by the Wales Cancer Research Centre, which is funded by Health and Care Research Wales, the group offers an accelerated process to recruit public members. This is achieved via a group of patients and carers with experience of cancer who are willing to step up quickly when researchers need help.
Health and Care Research Wales have funding available to pay honoraria for public involvement in developing research funding bids, as recommended by the UK Standards for Public Involvement.
An application must still be made through Health and Care Research Wales, but WCRC aims to offer a choice of applicants within 2-3 weeks.
Dr Ray Samuriwo, lecturer at the Cardiff School of Healthcare Sciences said: “Working with members of the Rapid Response Group on my grant application was a joy and a delight. I was lucky enough to work with a diverse range of people, each of whom brought their unique expertise to bear on the design of the proposed project.”
To find out more about the group and how to apply for help with your research, contact Zoe Evans at EvansZ2@cardiff.ac.uk. Start the process as early as possible to get the help you need before submission closing dates.