Summer Studentship Reflection

When I first applied for the Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Studentship, I was a third-year General Nursing student at University College Cork (UCC). One of the main reasons I decided to apply was my lack of confidence and experience in research. Throughout my studies, I found research to be a challenging subject, and I was aware that it would become a major focus in fourth year. I wanted to strengthen my understanding and skills in research so that I could feel more prepared and capable going into the final year of my degree.

At the time of applying, I had never heard of PPI before. The concept was completely new to me, and I had to take the initiative to learn about it independently before attending interviews. Through my own research, I came to understand that PPI is about involving patients and members of the public in the research process—not as subjects, but as active contributors. This perspective shifted the way I thought about healthcare research and made me even more interested in being part of the studentship.

I was very fortunate to be awarded the studentship, and the experience has been incredibly valuable both academically and personally. One of the biggest areas of growth for me was in reading and understanding academic literature. I developed practical skills such as how to screen papers, assess their relevance, and extract key information, all of which are essential for evidence-based practice in nursing. I also gained insight into the research process from start to finish, which has made me feel much more confident approaching my upcoming final year project.

A highlight of the studentship was attending the 10th Public and Patient Involvement Summer School at the University of Limerick. This event brought together students from different disciplines, researchers, and members of the public. It was eye-opening to hear so many different perspectives and to see how PPI is applied across various fields of study and healthcare practice. Engaging in conversations with people outside of nursing helped me to think more broadly and critically about how research can and should reflect the real needs and voices of the people it’s meant to serve.

This experience has also deepened my understanding of why PPI is so important in nursing and medicine. Involving patients and the public in research ensures that the outcomes are meaningful, relevant, and grounded in real-life experiences. As future healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to listen to and learn from the people we care for. PPI helps bridge the gap between clinical research and everyday practice, ensuring that the care we provide is informed by the voices of those who experience it first-hand. It promotes empathy, inclusivity, and accountability, values that are at the heart of nursing.

Overall, the PPI studentship has been a turning point in my academic journey. It has given me confidence, improved my skills, and broadened my understanding of what meaningful research looks like. Most importantly, it has reminded me of the power and importance of listening to people’s lived experiences when shaping the future of healthcare.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the PPI Ignite Network team at UCC, Dr. Emmy Racine and Dr. Sheena McHugh for their support and for providing students like me with such a valuable opportunity. A special thank you to Ana Contreras Navarro, Senior Researcher, whose patience, time, and guidance were central to my learning throughout the studentship. Ana was a fantastic mentor who supported and encouraged me every step of the way, and I’m truly grateful for her leadership and kindness.

This studentship has been a turning point in my academic journey. It has given me confidence, improved my skills, and broadened my understanding of what meaningful research looks like. Most importantly, it has reminded me of the power and importance of listening to peoples lived experiences when shaping the future of healthcare.