Summer Studentship Reflection

The PPI Ignite @ UCC Summer School has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to develop my skills beyond the classroom setting. The experience highlighted the importance of bridging academic knowledge with meaningful, community-focused application and offered me the chance to enhance my research abilities through a more practical lens.

While my undergraduate degree in Applied Psychology has equipped me with the theoretical and methodological skills to conduct extensive research across a variety of areas, the PPI Ignite Scholarship allowed me to put these skills into practice. I was able to hone and apply them in a real-world context, gaining valuable insight into how research can directly impact and benefit communities.

My project focused on developing a social prescribing network for older adults in Cork, in conjunction with Healthy Campus. Central to the project was fostering connections between Cork city’s older adult community and UCC facilities, particularly the Glucksman Art Gallery, with the aim of promoting wellbeing, social inclusion, and access to cultural resources. To ensure the success of the project, it was vital that key stakeholders were at the centre of the initiative. This required reaching out and connecting with older adults across Cork, as well as collaborating with community groups dedicated to supporting their wellbeing.

Engaging the public throughout the project’s development allowed their voices to shape the design and delivery of the initiative. This made the project more relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the community’s needs. Connecting with these groups, hearing their testimonies, and listening to their perspectives truly highlighted the importance of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research for me. I realized that PPI is far more than a box to tick on an application form; it is a meaningful way to ensure that researchers remain consistently aware of who the research is for and how it can best serve their needs.

Throughout the studentship, I gained a range of valuable skills, including stronger communication and interpersonal abilities, the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and a deeper appreciation for the ethical and practical considerations involved in community-based research. I also learned to navigate challenges, such as coordinating meetings with community groups and adapting to their schedules and preferences, which initially felt daunting but ultimately enhanced my confidence and professional growth. All these skills will be invaluable as I enter the final year of my undergraduate studies and progress into my future career.

The studentship broadened my horizons regarding the career opportunities that await post-graduation. I came to appreciate that research is not solely a technical or analytical pursuit; it is inherently interpersonal, requiring collaboration, communication, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. Through the studentship, I also developed both personal and professional connections, networking not only with fellow researchers but also with inspiring community groups, which gave me a deeper understanding of the real-world impact of research.

I would like to sincerely thank all those involved with the PPI network for providing such a valuable opportunity, one that will continue to benefit me beyond my undergraduate studies. I am especially grateful to my supervisor, Prof. Kearney, for her guidance, support, and

encouragement throughout the studentship, which was instrumental in helping me make the most of this experience. The studentship is certain to be a highlight of my undergraduate experience at UCC, leaving a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development.