As a research funder, including the perspectives of the public is an important part of our grant review process. We have been working with our public reviewers for several years now and we believe your opinion can help improve the quality of the research that we invest in.
How does the HRB fund research
The HRB funds research in universities and hospitals to improve health and enhance patient care.
We support different types of health research including research that focuses on better results for patients, research focusing on delivery of healthcare services in Ireland as well as research focusing on prevention of ill health and promotion of wellbeing.
Researchers can apply for funding through a variety of HRB funding schemes. Each funding scheme wants to achieve specific aims and objectives, set out in the guidance notes. Typically, about 20-25% of applications are funded.
You can find more information on how the HRB funds research here.
Why we need public reviewers
Each funding application received by the HRB undergoes an international peer review before a funding decision is made. Peer reviews are carried out by experienced researchers with expertise in the area of the proposed research. They ensure that the research we fund is of the best possible scientific standard. Typically, about 20-25% of applications are funded.
These reviewers provide a scientific perspective of whether the proposed research is sufficiently relevant, timely and useful. We also want to assess the quality of the PPI in an application, which is done by public reviewers.
By asking members of the public for their opinion, we can help to ensure that researchers ask the right questions, that the right group of PPI collaborators are part of the decision making around the research, and that the people participating in the research are approached in the right way. Therefore, the HRB invites input from public reviewers to help improve the quality of the research that we invest in. Public reviewers should not comment on the scientific methodologies or theory.
What a reviewer does
Researchers applying for HRB funding complete an application form saying what research they want to do and how they want to do it. As a public reviewer, you will be asked to review 1-4 of these research proposals (you choose how many). You will capture your thoughts in a short assessment report within a pre-agreed period of time (usually 4 weeks). The review can be done from home, in your own time, and you will be paid a standard fee for each application reviewed.
Your review is written from your perspective as a member of the public or informed by your knowledge and experience as a patient, carer and or user of health services. We do not expect you to have lived experience in the area of the research.
We would particularly like to hear your views on the following aspects:
- Does the plain English summary give a clear explanation of the research?
- In your opinion, will knowing the answer to the research question make a difference to real people? (now or in the future)
- Has there been any public and patient involvement in the development of the application?
- Are there any plans for public and patient involvement in the research throughout the grant?
- Are there any plans for PPI in the management arrangements of an award? Are these appropriate and relevant for the project?
- Are members of the public, patients, service users or carers included in the research team?
- Have the applicants included enough money for public involvement activities in their overall budget?
- Could you identify or suggest any areas for improvement of PPI in the research?
- Have the researchers taken a realistic approach to recruiting people to participate in their research as research subjects?
- Will the researchers make the research results, both positive and negative, known to any research participants and PPI contributors involved in the study and more widely to the public?
You are also asked to include a rating based on the quality of the PPI.
We are often asked from those new to reviewing, how long does it take to complete the review of a research application for the HRB? We couldn’t give a clear answer to this, and our public reviewers suggested to survey those who have already reviewed for us. We did this In 2024.
While the responses varied, we found people mostly choose to complete reviews in more than one sitting, across two to three days with the majority of reviewers taking up to two hours at a time reviewing.
Download the findings from this survey.
Public reviews & funding decisions
Feedback on the quality of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is provided by two public reviewers for each application.
The reviewers’ comments (both public and scientific) are passed on to the applicants, who have the opportunity to respond. We will not share the reviewers name with the researchers.
The second stage of the review process is called the panel review stage. Review panels are established for each scheme. Panels are made up of international scientific experts from a range of backgrounds. For some schemes, public reviewers are included as panel members. The reviews and the related applicant responses are made available to the panel before they meet. The panel will take the reviews, rating and applicant response to the public review into consideration in their decisions on who to recommend for funding.
Public reviewer payments
Public Reviewers are offered a payment for completion of reviews and attendance at workshops.
Payment for reviewing work might affect those in receipt of state benefits. It will be your personal responsibility to find out about any implications.
The HRB are required to apply tax to panel payments and we will need to report it to Revenue. The level of tax you pay will depend on your personal situation.
Download our guidance on payment reimbursement rates for public involvement which contains important information – Guidance on payment reimbursement rates for public involvement.pdf
Become a reviewer
The HRB works with a group of public reviewers. Reviewers bring the voice and perspective of the public, independent of organisations or specific causes, to contribute to our funding decisions. We would like to hear from you if you are interested in becoming a reviewer.
Ireland is home to a culturally and linguistically diverse population and we would like to have better representation from minority groups. We would also like more young people involved. If you are from a minority group or are aged 18-30 we would particularly like to hear from you.
You do not have to have any experience to become a reviewer. You will need to have an email account and be able to fill in forms on a computer. Training workshops are available to those selected to review.
Once you have registered as a public reviewer, you may be invited to review research proposals. Reviewers are selected by lottery at various points throughout the year. Before we assign you a proposal to review, you will need to agree to our Terms of Engagement.
Please fill in our public reviewer application form.
Public reviewer guidance & review form
Download our Public Reviewer Guidance notes – Public reviewer guidance notes.pdf
Download our standard Public Review form – Public review form.pdf
Download our Public reviewer Glossary of Terms – Public reviewer glossary of terms.pdf
Please do get in touch at ppi@hrb.ie if you have any issues accessing our public review forms or guidance documents.
