We started the People Matter Project because, after 70+ peer reviewed publications, we wanted to try a different approach that would really get people to think and maybe even to innovate in research practices. With the help of some friends, we have made our first video, and have more in the pipeline. These are open source – feel free to share widely – and are meant to prompt dialogue. Join a conversation, share an innovative practice you are doing, challenge us and together we’ll get smarter, faster.
At Quora, they have a nice outline of organizations hoping to accelerate research. The last item has @patientslikeme and specifically talks about ways to get communities of participants in research engaged.
http://www.quora.com/Science/What-are-some-startups-that-are-trying-to-accelerate-science