Phase 2:
Research & Policy Influence – STAR Project (Jan – ongoing)
As part of Phase 2, Forum members are contributing to the STAR vaping research project, working in partnership with a university research team to explore the upcoming vaping legislation and its impact on children and young people.
The Forum has been split into two distinct groups, allowing young people to engage with the research at different levels:
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PPI Group (Patient & Public Involvement):
This group works alongside researchers to shape how the study is designed and delivered. They have contributed to developing workshop activities, refining research questions, and ensuring the approach is relevant, accessible and meaningful for young people. Their role is to influence the structure, content and overall direction of the research.
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Fieldwork Group (Research Participants):
This group takes part in the research itself, engaging in workshops to explore topics such as vaping behaviours, the proposed vaping bill, and how policy translates into real-life experiences for young people. Their insights form a key part of the study’s evidence base.
Both groups have shown strong engagement, with young people openly sharing their views, experiences and perspectives. This dual approach ensures that young people are not only participants in research, but active contributors to how it is shaped, strengthening the quality and relevance of the findings.
