[Research for and by youth: a qualitative process evaluation]

Funding bodies are increasingly valuing youth participation in research and want to further encourage this development. Until now, researchers have mainly been motivated to work with young people in conducting research. An innovative ZonMw programme goes a step further and gives young people the opportunity to select a researcher themselves and jointly apply for funding for a theme chosen by the young people themselves. Using a responsive process evaluation, we investigated what lessons this innovative programme offers for young people, researchers, policymakers and funding bodies. Young people were in the lead in 13 research projects. The topics ranged from breaking taboos to strengthening resilience. The collaboration was successful, though it raised practical and ethical dilemmas, such as how young people in vulnerable positions can participate fully alongside their studies, work, therapy and social life. The power of youth participation does not lie in perfection, but in learning together by doing and genuinely giving space to young people. In this way, participation becomes more than just a tick in a box-it becomes a practice that brings about change, also in the distribution of societal research funds.