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News and Events
Ignite Insight: PPI in PhD Research Symposium 2025
Ignite Insight: PPI in PhD Research Symposium 2025 showcased and shared perspectives, experiences and learnings of PPI in doctoral research.
As part of the National PPI Festival 2025, the PPI Ignite Network @ UCC hosted an inspiring day of discussion, learning, and collaboration at the PPI in PhD Research Symposium 2025, bringing together researchers, students, and PPI contributors from across Ireland and beyond. The event showcased and shared perspectives, experiences and learnings of PPI in doctoral research. Graphic Recorder Hazel Hurley captured the discussions through images throughout the day, which we've included throughout this article.
The day began with Dr. Emmy Racine, Programme Manager and Research Fellow at PPI Ignite Network @ UCC, welcoming attendees and setting the tone for a day centred on partnership and participation. This was followed by an opening address from Professor Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar of UCC, who emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and participatory research.
The keynote address was delivered by Sally Crowe, a renowned Research Coach and PPI Champion from the Oxford and Thames Valley Applied Research Network. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, she shared reflections on “The Human Face of Research,” exploring the evolving role of public contributors in driving research excellence.
Following a coffee break, Sinead O’Brien from the University of Limerick presented “Nothing About Us Without a Bit of Chaos – Adventures in Tangible Tech for Autism,” showcasing innovative technology designed in collaboration with autistic communities.
A lively panel discussion, “Different Pathways: From Lived Experience to Finding Our Voices,” chaired by Sarah Barnes Aabo featured Carmel Geoghegan, Ger Horgan, Chrys Ngwa, and Ashling O’Leary. Each shared personal journeys in patient advocacy and research involvement across areas including cancer, dementia, and patient safety.
Later sessions explored academic and research perspectives, including “Too Many Cooks? Supervisor’s Perspective of PPI” by Dr. Sinead Hynes (University of Galway), and “Shaping Cancer Research through Meaningful PPI” by Lea Schäfer from University College Dublin.
Afternoon workshops offered hands-on learning opportunities in key PPI skills and practice. Topics included getting started with PPI, facilitation skills, pre-clinical research, and writing effective lay summaries.
A final roundtable discussion, facilitated by Dr. Aideen McCabe and Theresa O’Donovan, provided a forum for PhD students to share what they thought was needed for successful PPI, promoting shared learning and strengthening collaborative networks.
The conference concluded with closing remarks, reflecting on the growing impact of PPI in Irish research and the shared commitment to co-creating knowledge that truly serves communities.