Summer Studentship Reflection

This summer, I had the privilege of completing a six week PPI Ignite studentship with the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork. My placement focused on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in research, an area I had heard about before but only truly came to understand once I experienced it first hand. The experience opened my eyes to how essential it is to involve patients and the public at every stage of the research process and how much thought, creativity, and care go into doing it meaningfully.

My supervisor worked on the PPI side of INFANT, coordinating the Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG) and helping to establish an Adults Advisory Group, which was in its early stages when I joined. The YPAG brings together young people aged 12 to 18 to provide feedback on child and adolescent health research, ensuring that studies are not only scientifically sound but also relevant and respectful to the people they aim to help. Seeing how seriously researchers valued these young voices was incredibly motivating.

Throughout the six weeks, my work was varied and hands-on. I helped with event planning and coordination, including supporting the YPAG Conference at Trinity College Dublin and the INFANT Research Day Science Fair in Cork. These events were wonderful opportunities to see how collaboration between researchers, patients, and the public can make science more approachable and inspiring.

A large part of my work also involved supporting the ELEVATE project, which focuses on improving the early detection and treatment of cerebral palsy in infants. Being part of discussions on early diagnosis and patient involvement gave me a much deeper understanding of how research can directly impact the lives of children and families. I saw how vital PPI is in shaping studies that reflect real needs rather than assumptions, and how it ensures that research outcomes genuinely benefit those affected.

I also discovered how creative and communication-driven PPI can be. I worked extensively with Canva, designing advertisements, certificates, posters, and social media materials, and helped draft letters and emails for outreach. These tasks taught me that effective PPI depends on clear, accessible communication that builds trust and encourages people to engage with research.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was working directly with the Young Persons Advisory Group. I attended their meetings, observed discussions, and designed a feedback questionnaire to capture their experiences. The young advisors were enthusiastic, thoughtful, and full of brilliant ideas. They challenged researchers to think differently and offered perspectives that shaped projects in meaningful ways.

I also learned a huge amount from my colleagues at INFANT, who are deeply passionate about PPI and its potential to make research more ethical and inclusive. Their enthusiasm and commitment showed me that PPI is not just a process but a mindset rooted in partnership and respect.

Looking back, this studentship completely changed how I view research. Before, I thought of it mainly as something done in labs or clinics. Now, I see it as a collaborative effort that depends on empathy, communication, and trust. I have gained practical skills, professional confidence, and a real appreciation for the human side of science.

As a Medical and Health Sciences student, this experience has shaped how I hope to contribute to research in the future. I want to continue working on projects where patients, families, and the public play an active role in guiding decisions. My time with INFANT and PPI Ignite has shown me that research achieves its greatest impact when it is built with people, not just about them.

Lavinia Waldron

3rd Year Medical and Health Sciences