PPI Ignite at TU Dublin Brings Partners Together to Shape Inclusive Research
On 12th October 2026, TU Dublin welcomed local partner organisations, researchers and PhD students to the second meeting of its local partner network as part of the Health Research Board (HRB)-funded PPI Ignite Network Phase II (2026–2031).
Building on the relationships and priorities identified at the inaugural meeting in June, the event focused on collaborative planning and co-design to strengthen Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in health and social care research at the University.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to welcome Mary Harkin, newly appointed Programme Manager for PPI Ignite at TU Dublin. Working alongside TU Dublin Academic Co-Leads Fiona Lyng and Emma Murphy, Research Support Co-Lead Catherine Bates, and PPI Co-Lead Patrick Fitzgerald from St John of God Research Foundation, Mary will support researchers, partner organisations and public contributors to embed meaningful, high-quality PPI in research activities over the next five years.
A knowledge exchange session showcased research projects incorporating PPI, while Simone Walsh from the National PPI Ignite Office at RCSI provided an update on the recently launched All-Island PPI Ignite Network Seed Funding Programme. The programme will offer small grants to support PPI at an early stage, including relationship-building and planning activities to inform future research funding applications.
Participants revisited and developed the ideas and priorities identified at the previous meeting using an inclusive co-design toolkit developed by TU Dublin’s Digital Accessibility Team and co-designers from Saint John of God Liffey Services. The toolkit supported inclusive discussions on the challenges and opportunities for advancing PPI within the University's network and wider research community. The interactive workshop also gave participants an opportunity to share experiences and approaches to inclusive research within their own organisations and activities.
The meeting marked another step in developing the PPI Ignite Network at TU Dublin’s lead site. By bringing together researchers, community organisations, patient groups and service providers, the event reinforced a shared commitment to ensuring that research is informed by the experiences, insights and priorities of the people and communities it aims to serve.
To find out more about PPI Ignite at TU Dublin and the All-Island PPI Ignite Network Seed Funding Programme, email PPI@TUDublin.ie.