We want to give researchers, educators and other staff members a way to thank and provide feedback to the members of the public who work with them. We provide an opportunity for researchers, educators and other staff members to recognise the effort the public makes and the benefits they bring to health-related research and education.
This scheme also provides public contributors with a record of their activities, skills and achievements. It helps to build a portfolio and share skills across research and education areas.
Do you want to nominate a member of the public?
Please get in touch to get your organisation registered. The scheme is currently open to UK medical schools or health-related research settings, and their allied NHS Trusts.
“It is a strange feeling to be rewarded for something that I absolutely love doing. I am of course immensely proud to receive the award but I am even more grateful for the opportunity to become a public contributor. I encourage anyone who has an interest in health research to get involved.”
Tressa Davey, public contributor nominated in 2022
Who is the scheme for?
The scheme is currently open to UK medical school or health-related research settings, and their allied NHS Trusts who want to formally recognise public contributors for the valuable contributions they make to research and education.
Why would I want to nominate a public contributor?
The scheme gives you the opportunity to show your gratitude and appreciation for the time, effort and dedication public contributors give to projects. Public contributors may value a formal record of their achievements and new skills learnt when working on your project. This can give them evidence to share when working on other research projects.
It also recognises the input that public contributors make to, for example:
- curriculum design
- teaching
- research methods
- analysis
- knowledge mobilisation and dissemination
The scheme also recognises the efforts made by community leaders or door-openers connecting researchers and members of public.
Is there a limit to how many nominations a public contributor can receive?
There are no limits but, where possible, we recommend combining the nominations into one submission.
Do public contributors need to have been involved for a set number of hours or completed a certain number of activities?
When nominating a public contributor, there are no limits on:
- what activities they can be nominated for.
- who can be nominated, as long as they have given their permission.
- how many people can be nominated – nominations can be made for a group of people too.
- how long their contribution has gone on for or when it took place.
What will the public contributors receive?
Public contributors will receive a certificate of recognition and summary sheet including further information about why they have been nominated.
How do public contributors find out they have been nominated?
You will need to ask permission for the public contributors’ email and home addresses. Once the nomination has been approved, they will receive an email letting them know that they will receive a certificate in the post.
When will the public contributors receive their certificates?
The certificates can take up to four weeks to process. Public contributors will be notified by email that they have been nominated.
There is no judging panel for this scheme. Nomination from a member of staff or student is all we need for a certificate to be awarded.
I need more information
If you need more information, please email public.recognition@soton.ac.uk.