Fitness tracking, supermarket reward points, going to the doctor… every day we generate a massive amount of data.

Data like this can be used in research that makes a positive difference to our lives, like finding cures for diseases or improving public services. Yet, how that data is gathered, how access to it is managed, and how it is used makes all the difference in building, and maintaining, public trust. Without public trust and involvement, data research can fail to reach its full potential.

January 2025 saw the launch of the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative’s (PEDRI) Good Practice Standards. Co-created with professionals and the public over a two-year period, they help the data research community to work well with the public, providing a framework to build transparency and inclusion into the research process.

Hear from those involved in developing the Standards including Shayda Kashef (Senior Public Engagement Manager, ADR UK), Piotr Teodorowski (Health Services Researcher, University of Stirling) and Jan Speechley (PEDRI Public Partner) in conversation with Anna Woolman (Community Engagement Lead, PEDRI) to find out how can we make sure the public voice shapes the way data is used. With introductions from Doreen Tembo (Strategic Lead, PEDRI) and Samaira Khan (Operational Lead, PEDRI).

This is the first event of our PEDRI webinar series.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact us at contact@pedri.org.uk

Speaker bios

Anna Woolman: Community Engagement Lead, PEDRI

Anna is the Lead for PEDRI’s Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing workstream and the Public Engagement and Communications Manager at Health Data Research UK. With 10 years of experience in science communication and public engagement, she has previously worked with science festivals, community grant schemes, health journals and lots of scientists.

Shayda Kashef: Senior Public Engagement Manager, ADR UK

Shayda has been working on Communications and Public Engagement for Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) for over five years and has been part of various initiatives, from co-hosting the ADR UK Connecting Society podcast through to the creation of PEDRI. She has a background in science communication and medical ethics, and enjoys live music when she’s not thinking about communications and public engagement.

Jan Speechley: Public Partner, PEDRI

Jan has worked as a public partner across PEDRI workstreams since January 2022, including advising on the development of the PEDRI Good Practice Standards. She is committed to ensuring public voices are heard in all areas of data driven research.

Piotr Teodorowski: Health Services Researcher, University of Stirling

Piotr Teodorowski is based in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport at the University of Stirling. His interests and expertise include creative methods and patient and public involvement in research. Piotr has contributed to the PEDRI Good Practice Standards since 2023.

Good practice for public involvement and engagement in data research