Plain language summary - A plain language summary (PLS) is a summary of the research study and/or study results, written without using technical terms or acronyms, in a way that anyone not doing research can understand.

Plain language summary publication - Plain language summary publications (PLSP) are full, standalone, peer-reviewed articles summarizing a previously published article in clear, straight-forward, non-technical language. PLSPs should always be open access and made available to the general public at no cost.

Trial results summary - A trial results summary (TRS) explains what happened during a clinical trial in easy to understand language. It includes information about the purpose, results, and other facts about the trial. TRS is similar to the term PLS but is specifically for a clinical trial, not all research studies are clinical trials.

Clinical trial - A type of research that studies new tests and treatments and evaluates their effects on human health outcomes.

Research study - A scientific undertaking to answer a research question.

Research Infographic - A visual image such as a chart or a diagram used to represent information or data from a research study.

Patient engagement in research - Is the active meaningful and collaborative interaction between people with lived experience and scientists across stages of the research process, where research decision making is guided by patients’ contributions as partners, recognizing their experiences, perspectives, priorities, and expertise.

Person with lived experience - A person with direct experience of a health condition or interactions with the health care system. They may be a current or former patient, a family member, or a care partner. A person with lived experience is an expert by experience.

Research abstract - A short summary of completed research, intended to describe the study question, methods, procedures, results and conclusions. Typically, research abstracts are used for specialized conferences or academic publications and are not designed for the general public.

Research institute - An institute that employs scientists whose work focuses on programs of research that span the spectrum from basic to clinical to translational research.

Research program - Multiple scientific undertakings that answer questions on a specific health condition, care experience, or service.