17 October 2025
Health Translation Queensland (HTQ) is proud to launch the Framework for Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) in Health Research — a new, practical guide to help health researchers embed meaningful consumer and community involvement across all stages of the research cycle.
Developed through a collaborative co-design process with Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) leads and consumers by the HTQ-led CCI in Research Alliance, this Framework provides principles for effective consumer and community involvement, practical advice on embedding involvement at each stage of the research cycle, and links to resources that support good practice.
HTQ Executive Director Dr Celia Webby said the CCI Framework marks an important step in supporting researchers to conduct research that is truly shaped by and for the people it seeks to benefit.
“The CCI Framework was co-designed with consumers and Consumer and Community Involvement leads from across our 13 partner organisations – a process that reflects the very essence of what Health Translation Queensland stands for.
“It’s a powerful example of how collaboration across our partnership can lead to shared tools and approaches that strengthen research translation and impact across the state,” said Dr Webby.
CCI in Research Alliance Chair Bene Watson echoes the sentiment by saying that the CCI in Research Alliance brought together expertise, lived experience and shared commitment from across Queensland’s health and research sectors to create this Framework.
It clearly demonstrates what can be achieved when consumers, researchers and health organisations work side by side towards a common goal – improving the quality and impact of health research for all.
Consumer and community involvement in research is increasingly recognised as essential rather than optional. Meaningful involvement helps ensure research is responsive to community priorities, aligns with expectations from funders and ethics committees, builds public trust, and enhances the translation of research into practice. Ultimately, it makes research stronger, more relevant and more impactful for the communities it serves.
“This CCI Framework represents a major step forward in creating a practical, streamlined minimum standard for health services and research organisations for embedding meaningful consumer and community involvement in health research,” said Dr Nancy Cloake, QIMR Berghofer’s Consumer and Community Lead, who also led the CCI Framework development as part of the CCI in Research Alliance.
“By providing practical guidance and shared principles, it supports researchers to design and deliver research that truly reflects the needs, values and priorities of the people it aims to benefit,” said Dr Cloake.
The CCI Framework has been designed as a practical resource for health and medical researchers, clinician researchers, consumer researchers and research institutions. Whether researchers are starting a new project, applying for funding or seeking to strengthen consumer engagement in their current work, the CCI Framework offers clear, practical guidance to support a more inclusive and impactful approach to research.
Explore the Framework for Consumer and Community Involvement in Health Research.
View the webinar recording and presentation slides of the CCI Framework launch.
Access the CCI Framework communications toolkit to access copy and visuals to help promote the Framework.
In addition to the CCI Framework launch, HTQ has also re-launched its popular CCI Microgrants Program.
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