Public Participation Research Articles

Detection and Assessment of Seismic Response of High-Speed Railway Bridges Based on Smartphone Public Participation

The seismic response detection and operational safety assessment of high-speed railway (HSR) bridges play a crucial role in ensuring HSR systems’ operational safety and reliability. Smartphones have introduced intelligent inspection tools for structural health detection, becoming a new tool for intelligent structural inspection. Combining the public and smartphones is the key to public participation in structural health detection. This study utilizes smartphone-based structural seismic response inspection technology to investigate the framework of public participation in earthquake response inspection and assessment. This system comprises the Smart Bridge Brain (SBB), which integrates data from multiple sources and systems, an assigning mechanism for public participation inspection tasks, and smartphone-based HSR bridge structural seismic response inspection technology. At the same time, the Unreal Engine 5.0 software is used to create a mixed-reality virtual simulation experimental environment to validate the feasibility of this framework. The results indicate that the intelligent optimization of task allocation by the SBB successfully assigns detection tasks to each public participant. Public participants can promptly reach predefined damage structure detection targets and rapidly inspect bridge structural seismic response indicators using smartphones. In addition, this paper also conducts a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the detection of the work efficiency index (WEI) within the system. Furthermore, optimization strategies for the efficient execution of detection tasks are proposed based on WEI variations influenced by different factors. The system framework is expected to enhance cluster-based HSR bridges’ intelligent disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities.

Biomedicine, deliberative democracy and childhood. The limits of children and young people’s involvement in health research

In recent years, children and young people (CYP) have been increasingly included in patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research and innovation. Such initiatives intend to give a voice to CYP in such matters. Given that it is debated whether PPI in health care fosters the values of participation, public discussion and decision making put forward by deliberative democracy, this article examines three sets of challenges concerning the involvement of CYP by focusing on age biases. After describing some existing initiatives, the paper critically examines why CYP are involved, how the CYP group is constituted and then investigates the moral status of CYP in biomedical settings. It shows that the rationale for involving CYP in PPI is mainly top-down and adult-centric, thereby questioning the authentic participation in decision making. It also suggests that to ensure democratic inclusion, the CYP group should be constituted by considering both age and politics. Lastly, the article indicates that, despite the increasing recognition of child-specific rights, the sociocultural norms and power dynamics in pediatrics undermine their moral status and challenge political equality. These three sets of considerations offer a preliminary theoretical contribution toward improving democratic legitimacy and representation of CYP in health research and innovation.

PUBLIC SECTORS IN PARTNERSHIPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The author researched and analyzed the problems and possibilities of interaction between the state and public sectors in infrastructure restoration partnerships. Bureaucracy, financial constraints, insufficient interaction with the community and risks are identified as pressing issues that inhibit the effectiveness of infrastructure restoration. At the same time, consideration of the opportunities for interaction points to the significant benefits of innovative technologies, public- private partnerships, sustainability and social responsibility. The need for a comprehensive approach to overcoming problems and maximizing opportunities in the field of infrastructure restoration for the sustainable development of cities and regions is substantiated. Cooperation between the public and public sectors turns out to be an important factor for the successful development of infrastructure to solve the classic problems of bureaucracy and financial constraints. It is emphasized that the results of the study indicate that public involvement, effective risk management and the use of the latest technologies become the basis for creating a sustainable and efficient infrastructure that meets the modern requirements of society. This article serves as a practical overview and a challenge to develop strategies aimed at improving the interaction between sectors to achieve the common goals of sustainable development.

Dementia content and delivery in physiotherapy curricula: an international study of entry level physiotherapy programmes in Ireland United Kingdom and New Zealand

ObjectivesPhysical impairments associated with dementia include reduced gait speed, and diminished postural control, which can lead to an increase in falls and hip fractures. Physiotherapy can play a key role in many aspects of dementia care, including falls risk prevention, gait re-education and end of life care. However, there is a lack of dementia education in entry level physiotherapy programmes. The aim of this study was to map the dementia content and delivery in the current undergraduate and entry level physiotherapy curricula in Ireland the United Kingdom and New Zealand. DesignThis cross-sectional survey-based study was distributed via the online survey tool Qualtrics XM. The survey was designed using the map of Kern’s curriculum design framework. SettingHigher educational institutes (HEIs) that offered an undergraduate (BSc) and/or MSc (entry level) physiotherapy programmes in Ireland United Kingdom and New Zealand were included. ParticipantsThe academic lead for dementia education in the HEI was invited to participate in the survey. ResultsOf the 69 eligible HEIs contacted, 49 responded, giving a response rate of 71%. Different sources informed curriculum design, including patient and public involvement, published guidelines and policies and expert clinicians. The time allocated to dementia teaching across the curricula varied, with under half of the programmes only allocating two hours. The lack of service user input was seen as a perceived weakness of many programmes as was the non-standardisation and generalisability of teaching. ConclusionWhilst dementia education is included in many HEI programmes, we need to consider more time, a curriculum that meets learner’s needs and include the patient voice. Further research is needed to develop bespoke dementia curricula specific to physiotherapy. Contribution of the Paper•The findings of this study have identified current strengths as well as weaknesses of entry level physiotherapy programmes in dementia care.•This study highlights what is most and least commonly taught at entry level physiotherapy programmes in dementia care.•More time needs to be allocated to dementia teaching, to reflect the clear work-related educational needs of physiotherapists in both the acute and community care sector.

PUBLIC SECTORS IN PARTNERSHIPS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The author researched and analyzed the problems and possibilities of interaction between the state and public sectors in infrastructure restoration partnerships. Bureaucracy, financial constraints, insufficient interaction with the community and risks are identified as pressing issues that inhibit the effectiveness of infrastructure restoration. At the same time, consideration of the opportunities for interaction points to the significant benefits of innovative technologies, public- private partnerships, sustainability and social responsibility. The need for a comprehensive approach to overcoming problems and maximizing opportunities in the field of infrastructure restoration for the sustainable development of cities and regions is substantiated. Cooperation between the public and public sectors turns out to be an important factor for the successful development of infrastructure to solve the classic problems of bureaucracy and financial constraints. It is emphasized that the results of the study indicate that public involvement, effective risk management and the use of the latest technologies become the basis for creating a sustainable and efficient infrastructure that meets the modern requirements of society. This article serves as a practical overview and a challenge to develop strategies aimed at improving the interaction between sectors to achieve the common goals of sustainable development.

The Municipal Accountability in Service Delivery: Featherbrooke Homeowners Association v Mogale City Local Municipality

In the case of Featherbrooke Homeowners Association NPC v Mogale City Local Municipality the Johannesburg High Court presided over a matter which considered the role of municipal accountability in stormwater management. Schedule 4B of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 provides for basic municipal services such as stormwater management. Schedule 4B outlines other functional areas linked to promoting the right to an environment that is not harmful to one's well-being. These constitutional rights are often infringed upon, and the courts must decide to what extent local government is responsible for the alleged infringements. The courts must further decide to what extent local government accountability can be enforced through structural interdicts. This note contemplates the role of municipal accountability and responsibility in the pursuit of adequate service delivery in urban areas. It highlights the role of legislative interpretation in constitutional matters that relate to government accountability and overlapping mandates. It argues that state entities often shift the blame for their responsibilities. Furthermore, it evaluates the challenges of enforcing municipal accountability in service delivery and argues that public participation plays a key role in holding local government accountable for the delivery of such services.

The Potential of Spatial Planning as a Tool for Cities' Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 11 in Zimbabwe

This article analyses the extent to which the applicable legal and policy frameworks in Zimbabwe enable cities to use spatial planning to pursue the vision encapsulated in SDG 11. This article argues that although the existing legal framework makes adequate provision for features that can hypothetically guide cities to use spatial planning to pursue the vision envisaged in SDG 11, their potential is constrained by diverse factors such as lack of effective public participation in local governance, the inability of local authorities to generate sufficient revenue, systemic corruption in spatial planning processes, and under-utilisation of a flexible and accommodating legal framework. The research is based on an integrated analysis of primary and secondary sources of law.

An evaluation of patient and public involvement (PPI) experience in NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services: A framework analysis and practical recommendations

AbstractObjectivePatient and public involvement (PPI) refers to the active participation of people, patients, and carers in all stages of research and service delivery development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PPI experiences in an NHS TTad (Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression) setting and to offer practical recommendations to support PPI activity in service development.MethodA semi‐structured focus group was conducted with five participants who had previously attended a series of PPI groups in TTad services in the Northwest of England. The qualitative data collected were analysed using the INVOLVE framework, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding.ResultsTwelve subthemes emerged, reflecting positive PPI experiences: appreciating PPI contribution, respect for mental health experiences, learning opportunity for PPI members, flexibility and guidance, reimbursement for PPI time, expectations of PPI role in TTad services, availability and commitment, inclusive participation in TTad development, responding to PPI input, diversity, peer support and continued involvement in TTad service development. An additional theme, safe space, emphasised the importance of a comfortable environment and discretion.ConclusionPractical recommendations are provided to enhance recruitment, engagement, empowerment and the impact of PPI in TTad services.

An evaluation of patient and public involvement (PPI) experience in NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services: A framework analysis and practical recommendations

AbstractObjectivePatient and public involvement (PPI) refers to the active participation of people, patients, and carers in all stages of research and service delivery development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PPI experiences in an NHS TTad (Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression) setting and to offer practical recommendations to support PPI activity in service development.MethodA semi‐structured focus group was conducted with five participants who had previously attended a series of PPI groups in TTad services in the Northwest of England. The qualitative data collected were analysed using the INVOLVE framework, incorporating both inductive and deductive coding.ResultsTwelve subthemes emerged, reflecting positive PPI experiences: appreciating PPI contribution, respect for mental health experiences, learning opportunity for PPI members, flexibility and guidance, reimbursement for PPI time, expectations of PPI role in TTad services, availability and commitment, inclusive participation in TTad development, responding to PPI input, diversity, peer support and continued involvement in TTad service development. An additional theme, safe space, emphasised the importance of a comfortable environment and discretion.ConclusionPractical recommendations are provided to enhance recruitment, engagement, empowerment and the impact of PPI in TTad services.

Influence of Public Participation on Implementation of County Government Projects: Case of Makueni County, Kenya

Projects are the foundation of local development in any nation that is developing. Despite the significance of county government projects to society, the majority of these initiatives have delayed, failed, or otherwise fallen short of their goals. The study aimed at assessing the influence of public participation on implementation of county government projects: case of Makueni County, Kenya. The study was guided by following specific objectives; to determine the influence of public participation in project identification process, budget preparation process, governance process and monitoring and evaluation process on implementation of Makueni county projects. A descriptive research design was used for this study. There were 330 project personnel working on projects throughout all Makueni County constituencies and this formed the study population. Thus, the target population was the project committee members, executive project management consultant members and technical officers involved in implementation of the projects for the last at least three years at Makueni sub-counties. Using a stratified random sampling procedure, 99 respondents (30% of the population) were chosen from the target population. The study used primary methods in data collection using questionnaires. Content analysis method was used to examine the qualitative data from the open-ended questions. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used to interpret the quantitative data from the closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, standard deviation, and arithmetic mean, were used to examine the results. Inferential analysis was used in determination of the relationship between the variables. The results of the analysis were subsequently shown in charts and tables. The coefficient results show results that budget preparation process and governance process have a significant positive influence on project implementation, with standardized coefficients of 0.555 and 0.761, respectively. Meanwhile, monitoring and evaluation has a significant negative influence on project implementation with a standardized coefficient of -0.479. Project identification pross, on the other hand, does not have a statistically significant impact on project implementation.

Evaluation of Age-Friendly Retrofits for Urban Communities in China Using a Social–Ecological–Technological Systems Framework

To address the problem of accurately evaluating age-friendly retrofit indicators in urban communities, this study constructs an evaluation model that takes into account user preferences and their interaction needs based on the social–ecological–technological systems (SETS) theory. The model aims to establish a set of precise community retrofit indicators, covering aspects such as public participation level, public ancillary facilities, green space layout, living environment building, health service support, and accessible design. By employing prioritization strategies, the model seeks to maximize resident satisfaction and promote harmonious coexistence between the community and the environment. Firstly, the retrofit evaluation indicators are formulated using the SETS theory. The entropy weight method (EWM) is then applied to determine the initial weights of these evaluation indicators, followed by the use of the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to analyze the interrelationships among the indicators. The Kano model is integrated to adjust the weights, reflecting their importance. The final weights of the indicators are determined through normalization. Based on this, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is employed to rank and analyze the importance of age-friendly retrofits in the community. Finally, six communities in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, are selected as samples to evaluate and analyze the age-friendly retrofit indicators. Different methods are compared, and their advantages and disadvantages are ranked to validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach. Based on the analysis results, specific design schemes for improving the identified shortcomings in age-friendly aspects of these communities are proposed, considering the needs of aging populations and taking into account community public facilities, accessible design renovations, and the enhancement of green space layouts. This study aims to explore the comprehensive benefits of an age-friendly retrofit in urban communities and provide reference for the deep integration of social, ecological, and technological benefits in urban renewal. The evaluation indicators, methods, and conclusions presented can serve as a decision-making basis for the renovation and renewal of aging urban communities, particularly in terms of age-friendly updates.

The Cleft Collective: protocol for a longitudinal prospective cohort study

IntroductionCleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) affects 1 in 700 live births globally. Children born with CL/P and their families face various challenges throughout the child’s development. Extant research is often...

Rationale and design of the Self-TI Study protocol: a cross-sectional human papillomavirus self-testing pilot study among transgender adults in England

IntroductionPersistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causal agent of several cancers including cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancer. Transgender men and transmasculine non-binary (TMNB) people with a cervix...

Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Heritage Conservation and Valorization—A Comparative Analysis of the Chinese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and of the Italian Register of Historical Rural Landscapes

Agricultural heritage systems are receiving increasing attention due to their multifunctional role, their capability to provide ecosystem services, and for representing sustainable development models for rural areas. At the international level, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched in 2002 the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Program to identify and safeguard traditional agro-silvo-pastoral systems that are the result of the adaptation of rural communities to the surrounding environments. Following this approach, similar national programs have been developed, among which the Italian National Register of Historical Rural Landscapes and the China Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (China-NIAHS) initiative stand out. This research compares the China-NIAHS initiative and the Italian Register of Historical Rural Landscapes, highlighting similarities and differences and identifying strengths and weaknesses, to contribute to the development of proper tools for the conservation and valorization of agricultural heritage systems. Both initiatives were established in 2012 and share similar aims and inscription criteria, including historical and current significance, knowledge system and social structure, economic and productive framework, and causes of vulnerability. The main differences are related to the delimitation of the boundaries of the proposed sites and to the inscription process; in addition, while for the Italian National Register spatial analyses of land-use changes and landscape structure are mandatory according to a precise methodology, for the China-NIAHS no specific landscape analyses are required. The main critical issues are the lack of public participation and the lack of a monitoring plan after the inscription. The absence of monitoring is also the main vulnerability of the FAO GIAHS Programme. This research can offer important information for different stakeholders at the international, national, and local levels dealing with agricultural heritage conservation and valorization. In particular, it highlights the need of developing a multidisciplinary monitoring system with a standard methodology based on different indicators that can contribute to maximizing the impact of these initiatives. This research also provides useful information for the countries that are interested in developing a national initiative for agricultural heritage systems’ identification and valorization/conservation or for countries that intend to improve their national programs.

Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Heritage Conservation and Valorization—A Comparative Analysis of the Chinese Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and of the Italian Register of Historical Rural Landscapes

Agricultural heritage systems are receiving increasing attention due to their multifunctional role, their capability to provide ecosystem services, and for representing sustainable development models for rural areas. At the international level, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched in 2002 the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Program to identify and safeguard traditional agro-silvo-pastoral systems that are the result of the adaptation of rural communities to the surrounding environments. Following this approach, similar national programs have been developed, among which the Italian National Register of Historical Rural Landscapes and the China Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (China-NIAHS) initiative stand out. This research compares the China-NIAHS initiative and the Italian Register of Historical Rural Landscapes, highlighting similarities and differences and identifying strengths and weaknesses, to contribute to the development of proper tools for the conservation and valorization of agricultural heritage systems. Both initiatives were established in 2012 and share similar aims and inscription criteria, including historical and current significance, knowledge system and social structure, economic and productive framework, and causes of vulnerability. The main differences are related to the delimitation of the boundaries of the proposed sites and to the inscription process; in addition, while for the Italian National Register spatial analyses of land-use changes and landscape structure are mandatory according to a precise methodology, for the China-NIAHS no specific landscape analyses are required. The main critical issues are the lack of public participation and the lack of a monitoring plan after the inscription. The absence of monitoring is also the main vulnerability of the FAO GIAHS Programme. This research can offer important information for different stakeholders at the international, national, and local levels dealing with agricultural heritage conservation and valorization. In particular, it highlights the need of developing a multidisciplinary monitoring system with a standard methodology based on different indicators that can contribute to maximizing the impact of these initiatives. This research also provides useful information for the countries that are interested in developing a national initiative for agricultural heritage systems’ identification and valorization/conservation or for countries that intend to improve their national programs.

Anything goes for participant, patient and public involvement in youth mental health research

AbstractBackgroundParticipant and Public Involvement in youth mental health research aims at making research more responsive to the needs of youth struggling with mental health issues, their parents, and mental health professionals and other stakeholders. Do characteristics of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in youth mental health research align with transparency and replication prerequisites as necessary conditions for translation? Relatedly, the question is addressed whether co‐authorship should be assigned to youth involved in the study.MethodsHere we address these questions re‐visiting 50 PPI studies included in two recent systematic reviews of PPI on characteristics that are pertinent to questions about transparency, replicability, translatability, and co‐authorship in PPI research.ResultsAlmost two‐third of the studies on youth mental health incorporating PPI translate their results to policy or practice, mostly as recommendations but sometimes also by dissemination of (online) interventions. At the same time the authors of a substantial majority of the studies (70%) also suggest the need for further work on their results, for example, in randomized controlled trials to validate the outcome of their exploratory inquiry. Only a quarter of the studies using PPI met the conditions for replicability, thus a majority of the PPI studies suggest premature translation of results. Authorship to involved participants was assigned in 24% of the studies.Conclusions“Anything goes” for PPI in an exploratory stage to generate fruitful hypotheses. Translation of the findings of PPI studies however require a firm evidence base of replicated results. Radical merging of research and action in participatory action research seems incompatible with replicable and therefore translatable inquiry. Assigning co‐authorship to PPI representatives is often at odds with current guidelines for authorship. More evidence from randomized trials on the translational impact of PPI is needed before grant foundations should require PPI in grant proposals.

‘Freedom of Information’ as a human right: international instruments, juridical interpretations and the South Asian case

ABSTRACT The right to know is fundamental to a democratic society as it empowers citizens to participate in public debate and shape policy. Several countries have adopted freedom of information laws to regulate the exercise of that fundamental right. However, the right of access to information is yet to be vigorously acknowledged as a constitutional right in many countries. The article places the idea of human rights in historical perspective, determines the link between rights and information and public participation in political life. It presents arguments for including right to information (RTI) as a fundamental human right based on international and regional instruments and court decisions and examines the state of RTI in selected South Asian countries where RTI laws have been in place for a while. However, much more remains to be done to foster a culture of transparency and make RTI stand on its own as a fundamental human right.

Experiences of Self-Sampling and Future Screening Preferences in Non-Attenders Who Returned an HPV Vaginal Self-Sample in the YouScreen Study: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire.

We assessed experiences of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaginal self-sampling and future screening preferences in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse group of women overdue for cervical screening. A postal questionnaire was embedded in the YouScreen self-sampling trial in England: 32.5% (2712/8338) of kit completers returned the survey. Kit non-completers were encouraged to return a questionnaire, but no responses were received. Participants were ethnically diverse (40.3% came from ethnic minority backgrounds), and 59.1% came from the two most deprived quintiles. Differences in confidence in kit completion, trust in the test results and intention to attend a follow-up test if HPV-positive were evaluated using Pearson's χ2 analyses. Binary logistic regression models explored predictors of a future screening choice and preferences for urine versus vaginal self-sampling. Most kit-completers reported high confidence in self-sampling (82.6%) and high trust in the results (79.9%), but experiences varied by ethnicity and screening status. Most free-text comments were positive but some reported difficulties using the device, pain or discomfort. Most women would opt for self-sampling in the future (71.3% vs. 10.4% for a clinician-taken test) and it was more often preferred by ethnic minority groups, overdue screeners and never attenders. Urine self-tests were preferred to vaginal tests (41.9% vs. 15.4%), especially among women from Asian, Black or Other Ethnic backgrounds. Kit-completers were confident, found the test easy to complete, and trusted the self-sample results. However, experiences varied by ethnic group and some women highlighted difficulties with the kit. Most women would prefer self-sampling in the future, but it was not a universal preference, so offering a choice will be important. We did not have direct patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in the questionnaire design. However, patients and public representatives did input into the design of the YouScreen trial and reviewed the wider study materials (e.g. participant information sheet). This questionnaire study was embedded in the YouScreen trial. The protocol for the YouScreen trial is available at https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12759467. The National Institute for Health Research 43 Clinical Research Network (NIHR CRN) Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) ID is 4441934.

Contextualising and challenging under-representation in research in light of Cultural Trauma: a qualitative focus group and interview study

BackgroundAlthough underserved populations— including those from ethnic minority communities and those living in poverty—have worse health and poorer healthcare experiences, most primary care research does not fairly reflect these groups. Patient and public involvement (PPI) is usually embedded within research studies in the United Kingdom (UK), but often fails to represent underserved populations. This study worked with patient and public contributors and local community leaders, situated in a socio-economically deprived and ethnically diverse urban area, to explore under-representation in primary healthcare research.MethodsWe undertook a focus group with a purposive sample of 6 members of a Patient and Public Involvement Group (PPIG), and interviews with 4 community leaders (representing Black, South Asian, Roma and socio-economically deprived communities). An iterative analysis process based on template analysis was used. Focus group 1 was rapidly analysed, and a template created. Findings were presented in focus group 2, and the template further developed. The Cultural Trauma concept was than applied to the template to give a wider theoretical lens. In-depth analysis of focus groups and interviews was then performed based on the template.ResultsWider societal and historical influences have degraded trust in academic and healthcare institutions within underserved populations. Along with more practical considerations, trust underpins personal motivations to engage with research. Researchers need to invest time and resources in prolonged, mutually beneficial engagement with communities of importance to their research, including sharing power and influence over research priorities. Researcher reflexivity regarding differential power and cultural competencies are crucial. Utilising participatory methodologies including co-production demonstrates a commitment to inclusive study design.ConclusionsRe-framing evidence-based medicine to be more useful and relevant to underserved populations with the highest burden of ill health is urgently needed. Lack of representation in primary healthcare research reflects wider societal inequalities, to which Cultural Trauma provides a useful lens. However, there are actions that researchers can take to widen representation. This will ultimately help achieve the goal of increased health equity by enhancing scientific rigour and research generalizability.

Environmental judicial reform and corporate investment behavior — Based on a quasi-natural experiment of environmental courts

Ensuring the effectiveness of environmental legislation and regulations necessitates enhancing the professional caliber of the environmental judiciary. Utilizing a multi-period difference-in-differences model, we explore the impact of environmental judicial reforms, exemplified by the establishment of environmental courts, on corporate investment behavior. We find that firms in regions with established environmental courts significantly increase their environmental investments and productive investments, while financial investments remain unaffected. Mechanism testing reveals that the environmental court affects corporate investment by strengthening local government environmental enforcement and promoting public environmental participation. Furthermore, the marginal effect of environmental courts is more pronounced in regions with fewer environmental regulations and lower economic development levels, as well as in state-owned enterprises. Compared to collegiate benches, environmental resources judicial tribunals exert a greater influence on corporate investment behavior. This study adds to the micro-economic analysis of environmental judiciary by providing empirical evidence on how formal institutional frameworks impact corporate investment behavior.