Several terms have been used to describe the basic idea behind Public Interest Research (PIR). For example, citizen science, civic science, engaged research, action research and public scholarship are all types of research that aim to directly benefit and involve members of public, non-academic communities.
 However, it is often difficult to define these types of research in ways that set them apart from all other types of research. Complex questions arise, such as: Who is the 'public'? How do we address opposing interests among different publics? What kind of basic research is in the public interest? What kind of private research might also be in the public interest?
The papers included on this page aim to stimulate further discussion on definitions of public research.
Public Interest Research Links | Association for Science in the Public Interest
Philadelphia Consensus Statement
The Philadelphia Consensus Statement proposes three major changes to university policies on health-related innovations. Universities should:
- Promote equal access to research.
- Promote research and development for neglected diseases.
- Measure research success according to impact on human welfare.
These changes could literally save millions of lives.
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines
Oct. 1, 2006
Join luminaries in science, medicine, law, and health policy:
Call on universities to make the fruits of their research available in the developing world.
SIGN ON HERE!
Toward a Public Science: Building a New Social Contract Between Science and Society
A paper by Scott Peters, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota Extension Service; Nicholas Jordan, Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota; and Gary Lemme, Professor and Head, University of Minnesota West Central Experiment Station.
Entering the Century of the Environment: A New Social Contract for Science
By Jane Lubchenco published in Science 1998.
National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges
A series of documents by the Kellog Commission on the future of state and
grant universities - includes papers on "the engaged insitution" and "the
student experience".
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