i

We’re proud to share that Dr David Wenzel, alongside PhD student Chandini Subramanyam, has co-authored a thought-provoking commentary just accepted in Methods in Psychology.

The paper, “PPI or PR? The Fine Line Between Inclusion and Illusion”, tackles a timely question in health and social science research: does Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) always deliver on its promise of inclusion, or is it at risk of becoming a tick-box exercise for funders?

Dr Wenzel and Chandini highlight the tensions researchers face; such as relying on “expert” PPI members at the expense of marginalised voices, or under-reporting the challenges of genuine involvement. Their commentary calls for more transparency, independent oversight, and community-driven approaches to ensure PPI genuinely shapes research rather than serving as superficial compliance.

This publication reflects Dr Wenzel’s ongoing commitment to improving research practice and supporting more inclusive approaches that bring real voices into academic spaces. It’s an achievement that not only adds to the conversation on meaningful PPI, but also showcases the collaborative spirit of our doctoral community.

📖 Subramanyam, C., Wenzel, D., (2025), PPI or PR? The Fine Line Between Inclusion and Illusion, Methods in Psychology

🗓️ Accepted: 28 August 2025
🔗 Read the full article here