On 23 October, as part of Ireland’s National Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) month in October, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (The ASI) Dementia Research Advisory Team (DRAT) hosted an interactive knowledge exchange event for Early Career Researchers (ECRs): DRATgons’ Den. Inspired by the TV show Dragons Den, the event gave ECRs the opportunity to present their research and communication skills to an audience of peers and experts, competing for a EUR 3,000 funding prize. One DRAT member acted as MC; others served as DRATgons, and even those not on the panel completed scoring forms for each presentation. This meant the winners were chosen entirely by people with lived experience of dementia, reinforcing the value of PPI in shaping research priorities. The ASI extends its congratulations to winner Nina Meret Zumbrunn and runner-up Anupa Sara Paulose. The event was spearheaded by Cíara O’Reilly, Research Project Officer at The ASI, together with the members of the DRAT, who played a key role in making the day a success. Attendees remarked that “The fresh approach, making lived experience the decisions makers, forcing presenters to refine their communication” was one of the most valuable aspects of the day. Events like DRATgons’ Den show how PPI can make dementia research more relevant and impactful. This event was supported by the Health Research Board Events and Conferences sponsorship scheme 2025.
