This content was shared in the Research Matters newsletter on 19 February 2026
How can YOU get involved in AAC Research?
There are many different roles in research – and there’s a place for everyone. Some roles are voluntary, while others may be paid depending on the research project. Research roles can be split into two main types:- Roles undertaken by people with lived experience – no formal qualifications required.
- Researcher roles where appropriate training may be provided or qualifications may be required
It’s important to note that roles will vary across projects; however, all research projects will have a research protocol outlining everything that will happen during the course of the project. We recommend doing your own research about specific research projects to ensure they’re right for you.
Whichever role you choose, you’ll be contributing to research that improves lives and advances knowledge in the AAC community.
Your voice. Your experience. Your contribution matters.
Are you a reader or a watcher?
Click to watch our video:
Research Roles Explained: How YOU Can Get Involved in AAC Research
Roles for people with lived experience
Role 1: Participant
Taking part in a research project
There are many types of research projects you could participate in:
- Taking part in clinical trials (such as trialing a new medicine, for example)
- Completing questionnaires about your care
- Being interviewed about your lived experiences
- Using and testing new devices
How to get involved:
Projects advertise for participants through newsletters or Communication Matters Friday announcements. Sign up to receive these opportunities!
Role 2: Expert User Group / Focus Groups
Share your valuable insights
This consultative or collaborative role involves:
- Sharing your opinions about your experiences
- Providing input about research projects
- Identifying research priorities
- Shaping research projects
- Advising/guiding the research team on active projects
The best part?
These roles usually offer the opportunity to work with other AAC users in a group setting. The Principal Investigator will contact you to arrange meetings.
Questions to ask about Participant and Focus Group roles:
How long am I involved?
Is this a one-off or an ongoing role for the duration of the research study?
Are there any side effects or risks in taking part?
What happens if I change my mind and don’t want to take part anymore?
Where is the data stored?
Will my contribution be anonymous in any published report?
How will the researcher keep my details confidential?
Role 3: Co-Researcher (CR)
Become part of the research team
This is a consultative position built on four key principles:
✅ Sharing of power
Research is jointly owned by all team members working together to achieve joint understanding
✅ Including all perspectives and skills
The research team includes all those who can make a contribution
✅ Respecting and valuing knowledge
Everyone is of equal importance
✅ Reciprocity
Everybody benefits from working together and building relationships
Your role:
As a co-researcher, you will share your opinions about different aspects of your experiences or about the project.
If you are a co-applicant on a study, you’ll have specific roles and responsibilities within the research team. Your lived experience as an AAC user will be your primary contribution.
The Principal Investigator will contact you to arrange meetings, and you may have the opportunity to work with other AAC users in a group.
Questions to ask about Co-researcher Roles
What are my responsibilities?
How frequently are meetings?
Are you able to send information to me [in your preferred format] prior to meetings?
Can I give feedback/input [via your preferred method of communication]?
If I need to travel for meetings, will my expenses be paid?
Can I bring my personal assistant?
What time will meetings be scheduled and how long will they last?
Is the project able to offer any recompense for my input, and what does this look like?
What does the research team believe will be the benefits for me in taking part as a co-researcher?
Role 4: Formal Researcher (R) or Research Assistant (RA)
Appropriate training is required for these roles
Duties can include:
- Assisting Principal Investigators with day-to-day research operations while taking ownership of specific project components
- Helping with data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Supporting participant recruitment
- Planning and executing designated research activities within larger projects
- Contributing to research publications and presentations
- Presenting findings at conferences and professional meetings
- Keeping participants and stakeholder groups informed of project progress
Questions to Ask About R/RA Roles:
What qualifications do I need?
What kind of training is provided?
How does this role lead to career advancement?
Role 5: Principal Investigator (PI)
The Principal Investigator is the lead researcher with ultimate responsibility
The PI is the lead for the research project and has responsibility for:
- The integrity of the research proposal
- The governance of the research conducted
- Ensuring all team members contribute to their specific roles and tasks
- Delivering the research within time and budget
Before research begins, the PI must:
- Identify the needs for the research
- Conduct a (systematic) literature review to establish gaps in current research
- Determine methodology
- Apply for ethical approval from their employer, University, or NHS
- Apply for and secure funding from national and international agencies
Throughout the project, the PI:
- Plans and develops the research proposal and objectives
- Establishes, manages, and develops the research team
- Oversees all research activities associated with the project
- Manages and monitors the project’s overall budget
- Ensures research activities comply with internal and external regulations and policy
- Compiles, publishes, presents, and promotes research outcomes
- Complies with reporting requirements and responds to enquiries about the research
Other key considerations:
- Participant recruitment
- Data analysis
- Interpretation of findings
- Checking with expert users, focus groups, and others about the robustness of findings
- Leading on dissemination
- Allocating time and funds for post-research reflection and evaluation
Ready to take action?
Submit an Abstract for Communication Matters’ International AAC Conference, 13 – 15 September 2026, at the University of Leeds. Guidance and details of how to submit abstracts for presentations, lightning talks and posters can be found on CM’s website.
Sign up for Communication Matters Friday Announcements to learn about research opportunities
Join our mailing list or Update your preferences for Research Matters’ Online Meetings and Newsletters
Read further guides and resources on research projects to prepare for involvement (see External Resources below)
Ask questions – don’t be afraid to reach out to research teams
Register for our next online Research Matters meeting
Our Research Matters group meets online to learn about research and to connect people who are interested in conducting or participating in research with one another.
Next meeting: Wednesday 29 April, 4pm – 5pm
To register for the online meeting
Click the link below to receive an invitation to join our next meeting.
