The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) has a strong and longstanding commitment to sustaining knowledge through research. This is particularly evident in the organisation’s support for early career researchers, who build on the insights of established experts while incorporating new priorities and methodologies. This approach ensures continuity and promotes intergenerational knowledge transfer across dementia and health research. A cornerstone of The ASI’s research ethos is the meaningful integration of lived experience through Patient Public Involvement (PPI). Embedding PPI improves the relevance, quality, and real-world applicability of research. As part of this commitment, The ASI, in partnership with PPI Ignite and cross-sector stakeholders, co-developed the Postgraduate Introduction to PPI module.
This interactive, workshop-based programme introduces postgraduate students to the principles and practice of authentic PPI in health and social care research. Now delivered at University College Cork and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, members of The ASI’s Dementia Research Advisory Team (DRAT), Brenda Buckley, Kevin Cullen, Nuala Paley, and Kevin Quaid, recently co-led the workshop PPI: Partnering with individuals. Sharing their experiences as PPI contributors, they discussed motivations for involvement, expectations when working with researchers, and the building blocks of good (and bad) PPI practice. They emphasised the importance of open, respectful communication as the foundation of successful partnerships.
The ASI’s Research Project Officer, Cíara O’Reilly, also co-delivered Partnering with organisations for PPI in Research, highlighting the organisational perspective, and outlining how charities can support researchers through collaboration, resources, and shared values. The session also explored how strong partnerships can boost public trust and research literacy through transparent, inclusive communication. DRAT members look forward to the final workshop, where students will present their reflections and learnings. For more on the work of DRAT, visit alzheimer.ie or follow @DRAT_ASI on X.