University of Galway
PPI Ignite network
University of Galway
The PPI Ignite Network @ University of Galway is co-lead by Dr Natalie Walsh and Dr Ruth Mc Menamin. University of Galway aims to bring about a culture change in health and social care research so that those that are most likely to be impacted by the research findings will be involved in, and shape that research. We aim to achieve this by working in collaboration with our Public Advisory Panel, steering committee, research and public communities. Within the Network, working alongside DCU and the HRCI we are co-leading on work package 1, to build PPI capacity nationally across communities
PPI Ignite network
PPI Ignite Network @ University of Galway core team
PPI Ignite network
Local Partners
Croi West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Charity
At Croí, the aim is to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on the West of Ireland. By partnering with University of Galway and as a member of the University of Galway steering committee, Neil Johnson (Chief Executive) ensures that the work of PPI Ignite @ University of Galway team will be informed by the voice and perspective of patient and community organisations both nationally (Croí) and internationally (Global Heart Hub).
Derek Stewart
Honorary Professor Derek Stewart is a former teacher who became actively involved with health research following treatment for throat cancer. He helped establish patient involvement in the UK National Cancer Research Institute and is a passionate advocate for PPI Ignite. Derek is a long-time supporter and educator of PPI at University of Galway. Derek’s approach and partnership is about improving people’s health experiences and providing opportunities for mutual learning between patients, the public and researchers. Derek Stewart OBE was awarded an Honorary Professorship by the University of Galway in 2020 due to his substantial contribution to various research programmes within the University.
Carolyn Jenkins, Medical University of South Carolina
Prof Jenkins developed and leads the Community Engaged Scholars Program (CES-P) at MUSC, an initiative that builds community and academic partnerships to co-design and co-conduct research to improve the health of local communities. Carolyn supported the PPI Ignite @ University of Galway team in successfully piloting the CES-P in Ireland in 2020, playing a key role in adapting the programme developed in the US to suit the Irish context and culture. Carolyn will continue to support the roll-out and expansion of the CES-P in University of Galway.
Saolta University Health Care Group
Saolta University Health Care Group comprises 7 hospitals along the north-western seaboard of Ireland (Galway University Hospital, Letterkenny University Hospital, Mayo University Hospital, Merlin Park University Hospital, Portiuncula University Hospital, Roscommon University Hospital and Sligo University Hospital). Saolta Group’s academic partner is University of Galway. This partnership will develop and support a greater understanding of the principles and practices of involvement, applicable to both research and health service (re-)design and delivery.
HRB Clinical Research Facility: Galway
The HRB Clinical Research Facility, Galway (HRB-CRFG) is a joint venture between Galway
University Hospitals (GUH), Saolta, and University of Galway. The HRB-CRFG provides the infrastructure, physical space, facilities, expertise and culture needed to optimally support bioscience research. This partnership will create awareness of PPI among clinical research Principal Investigators, through education and support this can enhance PPI knowledge and activities among clinical research leaders.
PPI Ignite Network @ University of Galway Public Advisory Panel
The Public Advisory Panel contribute to the development of the PPI Ignite programme in University of Galway. They do so by, attending the PPI Ignite Steering Committee meetings, by co-authoring publications and articles with members of the University of Galway research community, by peer reviewing research grant applications, by co-developing and co-facilitating PPI education activities, by co-managing specific research projects within University of Galway and individually getting involved in various Network work packages and national activities.