On Thursday, 12th February 2026, colleagues from PPI Ignite @ UCC and PPI Ignite @ University of Galway delivered a full-day workshop on PPI at Amsterdam UMC, bringing together PhD researchers and staff to explore the theory and practice of PPI across the research cycle.

The day began with introductions from Patient Engagement in Research at AUMC and PPI Ignite. Workshop 1, facilitated by Dr Emmy Racine and Dr Aideen McCabe, introduced the concept of PPI, clarified key terminology, and explored researchers’ and PPI contributors’ motivations for involvement, as well as common barriers and facilitators to meaningful engagement.

After lunch, Workshop 2, delivered by Ms Martha Killilea from the University of Galway, examined PPI across the research cycle, presenting conceptual models of involvement, different levels of engagement described in the literature, and key ethical considerations such as power, representation and impact.

The afternoon session focused on practical application, with Dr Emmy Racine, Dr Aideen McCabe and PhD presenters sharing case studies of PPI embedded in doctoral research in Ireland, providing participants with an opportunity to discuss practical challenges and solutions and to design the PPI component of their own research using the 5 W’s of involvement framework.

The PhD students were highly engaged throughout the day, contributing thoughtful reflections and demonstrating a strong commitment to embedding meaningful PPI in their work.

We were warmly welcomed by Silvia Calpe, Brenda Olivier, Leah Root, Valentina Bravo and Katie Hanford, and were delighted to collaborate in delivering this training, which strengthened international connections and reinforced our shared commitment to advancing high-quality, ethical and impactful public and patient involvement in research.