Public attitudes to commercial research

Date: 24 April 2024

A report looking at attitudes to commercial research has made a series of recommendations to overcome a lack of public understanding.

The study set out to explore public understanding and awareness of studies and trials carried out by the commercial sector. In particular, it looked at how to increase inclusion among groups under-served in health and care research.

The findings also highlighted a general lack of understanding of research conducted by the commercial sector and some negative associations. Many associated it with profit, rather than a wider benefit to society. Although increasingly positive attitudes were identified.

The report was commissioned by the NIHR Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre (now the Research Delivery Network Coordinating Centre) and conducted in collaboration with Kohlrabi Consulting.

The Public Attitudes to Commercial Research report made a number of recommendations. These included creating a clearer picture of what commercial research means and its impact.

The report can also be found on NIHR’s learning resource

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