BIOGRAPHY 

My name is Annie and I am currently heading into my fourth and final year of BSc Medical and Health Sciences in UCC. I was awarded the PPI Summer Studentship where I worked with PPI Ignite Network @ UCC and closely with Dr Emmy Racine in the planning of the National PPI Festival 2024. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the world of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research. My interest in PPI sprung from studies within my coursework and also from another interest in all aspects of medical science combined with patient care and patient interaction. The idea of a patient being at the forefront of research, contributing their opinions and experiences is something I believe is an essential tool in research. My six-week summer project work gave me an amazing opportunity to expand my knowledge and learn more about those interests. 

The National PPI Festival showcases advances in the field of PPI while also encouraging more incorporation of PPI into research. My work involved building the foundations of the festival with work focused around a launch event which is hosted by UCC. From the get go, I was welcomed into such a supportive team that were always on hand to help me with any of my work. My tasks ranged from drafting event organising guidelines, creating advertising templates and writing press releases. These tasks all allowed the development of key professional skills that I am excited to carry into any future work. 

One of the highlights of my studentship was experiencing the collaborative effort of PPI. I witnessed directly how important a range of viewpoints in the research and planning process between researchers, patients, and public representatives is. In addition to improving the quality and relevance of the research, this cooperative approach gives all participants a sense of involvement and inclusiveness. I hope that my contribution to the team at PPI Ignite Network UCC has a left a positive impact, which can in turn contribute to better research outcomes.

I have gained priceless experience from the PPI Ignite @UCC Summer Student that has helped me advance both personally and professionally. This experience helped me hone my critical thinking and academic writing skills as well as my overall research abilities and teamwork skills. All of these have left me with confidence going forward in my studies and the working world.