Research design specialist supporting public health projects

Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing research design specialist Tracey Johns will be providing public involvement and community engagement support to the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Research Support Service Specialist Centre for Public Health (SCPH).

SCPH is delivered by Newcastle University and partners and Tracey will provide pre award public involvement and community engagement advice and methodological support to researchers interested in conducting public health research in settings outside the NHS. Tracey brings many years of experience to the role and will be an asset to the SCPH team.

SCPH provides a ‘one-stop shop’ to support the creation of high-quality research evidence needed to inform policy and practice to improve public health and reduce health inequalities.

The SCPH provides:

• Local Authority support and resources
• Pre award research design advice
• Training and development
• Governance and ethics

SCPH wants to help researchers to develop their ideas and apply for funding. The pre award research design team has methodologists who specialise in mixed methods, health economics, qualitative methods, epidemiology, quasi-experimental design, and involving the public in your research. They can provide guidance on appropriate research methods and study design, as well as help to identify funding opportunities.

Public Involvement and Community Engagement is central to the SCPH and is embedded throughout their work. Researchers can apply to its Public Involvement Fund for up to £600 to support early public involvement in funding applications.

For further information please contact the Newcastle team directly on nihr.rss.publichealth@newcastle.ac.uk. To hear about news, events and future funding calls you can also join the mailing list.