PPI Ignite Network Launch, RCSI

Queen’s University Belfast is honoured to now hold the position as one of the Lead Sites in the Network - PPI Ignite Network @QUB - alongside 10 other higher education institutions across Ireland. Queen’s involvement in the Network is co-led by four researchers and PPI advocates - Professor Joe Duffy, Emeritus and Honorary Professor of Social Work and Inclusion; Dr. Claire Kerr, Reader in Rehabilitation in the School of Nursing and Midwifery; Joanne Sansome, Campaigner, Educator, Disability Activist and Social Researcher and Dr. Maelíosa Mc Crudden, Research Impact Manager and Queen’s PPI Network Coordinator. Their leadership of PPI Ignite Network @QUB will build upon the wealth of education, research, lived experience and policy experience that exists at the heart of this institution. 

The event on 11th May, facilitated by the new host institution, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, highlighted to attendees key priorities, planned activities, and opportunities for participation in the next phase of the Network. This provided an important opportunity for researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, public and patient partners, and leaders and representatives from patient-led, charity and community organisations, to come together and discuss meaningful involvement in research and education. 

Partners from across the Northern Ireland research ecosystem also joined the PPI Ignite Network @QUB representatives at the event, reflecting a shared commitment to expand access and equity in PPI. These partners included the Northern Ireland Public Health Research Network (NIRPHN); HSC R&D Division, with Dr. Janet Diffin, Senior Programme Manager, taking part in the expert panel discussion; colleagues from Public Involvement Enhancing Research (PIER) NI; the QUB Civic Engagement Team and local Network partner, Mr. Aidan McCormick, Irish Association for Cancer Research.  

The Queen’s Team looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the PPI Ignite Network over the next 5 years, supporting the impact it will deliver to patients, partners, researchers, students, policy makers and publics.