title: Improving brain computer interface research through user involvement - The transformative potential of integrating civil society organisations in research projects.
abstract: Research on Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) often aims to provide solutions for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with diseases, conditions or disabilities that keep them from using traditional interfaces. Such research thereby contributes to the public good. This contribution to the public good corresponds to a broader drive of research and funding policy that focuses on promoting beneficial societal impact. One way of achieving this is to engage with the public. In practical terms this can be done by integrating civil society organisations (CSOs) in research. The open question at the heart of this paper is whether and how such CSO integration can transform the research and contribute to the public good. To answer this question the paper describes five detailed qualitative case studies of research projects including CSOs. The paper finds that transformative impact of CSO integration is possible but by no means assured. It provides recommendations on how transformative impact can be promoted.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Bernd Carsten
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4058-4456
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.affiliation: Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kutoma
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wakunuma
authors.affiliation: Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rainey
authors.affiliation: Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D062207:Brain-Computer Interfaces; D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D009938:Organizations; D011634:Public Health; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design