Patient engagement in research refers to meaningful inclusion of patients as partners in research. When patients are engaged in research, the knowledge produced is more relevant and more likely to be implemented into healthcare practice.

Patient engagement in research is a practice largely limited to high-income countries, yet could have real impacts in solving health challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

We highlight four major challenges to patient engagement in research: gaps in health infrastructure, low socioeconomic status, cultural stigma, and uncertain roles.

Patient mobilization, international collaboration, roles for champions and peer-to-peer support, and education of stakeholders are discussed as solutions to the identified challenges.