Get the tools to do it right.
Why Our Guides? Because we’ve been there.
Our guides are informed by over a decade of experience in training consumers, mentoring researchers, and leading engagement strategy across universities, health services, and government-funded research. They’re written by people who understand what works—and what often doesn’t.
Each guide is:
Straightforward – no jargon, just clarity
Action-oriented – checklists, templates, and real-world examples included
Lived experience-led – developed with and by consumers
Adaptable – whether you're working on a grant, designing a project, or building internal frameworks
Supporting Basic Scientists to Meaningfully Engage Consumers Across the Research Lifecycle
As a consumer involved in the research review process, your lived experience and insights are powerful. The BRAINS framework is a simple, structured tool to help you assess grant applications from a consumer perspective. It helps ensure the research is meaningful, ethical, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
This guide outlines how to use BRAINS when reviewing documents such as grant proposals, ethics applications, or study protocols.
Use this template at the beginning of your project to outline when, why, and how consumers will be involved across the research cycle. It supports thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful engagement.
This guide explains commonly used research terms in plain language. It is designed to help consumers feel more confident and informed when participating in research projects.