The research ready communities project has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Network. This is part of a national programme of work relating to areas considered underserved by research, with Lincolnshire being identified as one such area. As part of this programme we are working with three community partners organisations, and working with these organisations have recruited five community champions. Working together, community conversations will be undertaken, reaching out to local people such as those living in rural communities to explore some of the challenges and opportunities concerning engagement with and in research. Through collaborative action planning the project will lead to community actions and the sharing of findings with the NIHR to help shape research in the future – Mo Ray, Jo Blackwell, & Tom George.