PPI Ignite Network at Research Ireland
Partner University
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland
Research Ireland is Ireland’s national competitive research and innovation funding agency. It supports excellent research and innovation across all disciplines and career stages, from discovery-led research that advances knowledge and understanding to applied research with a focus on delivering economic and societal impact. Research Ireland works with researchers, higher education institutions, government departments and agencies, industry and civil society to foster an internationally renowned research and innovation system that contributes to the prosperity and wellbeing of people in Ireland.
Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) is embedded in many Research Ireland-funded projects and programmes, where meaningful involvement helps ensure research is relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of patients, communities and the wider public. As an associated partner in the PPI Ignite Network, Research Ireland supports efforts to strengthen capacity, promote best practice and foster a culture of partnership between researchers, patients and the public across the Irish research system.
THE TEAM
Who to talk to at Research Ireland
Dr Betül Hekimoğlu
Programme Manager
Dr Betül Hekimoğlu is a Programme Manager at Research Ireland, where she oversees the design and delivery of a portfolio of Challenge-based research funding programmes addressing complex societal challenges, including the Innovating in Health and Wellbeing Challenge launched in 2025. Previously, she worked in research management at Trinity College Dublin, supporting the development of funding portfolios, and held a business liaison role at University College Dublin as part of the Celtic Advanced Life Science Innovation Network. Betül holds a PhD and has postdoctoral research experience in Molecular Biology and Epigenetics, as well as an MSc in Science Communication. She is passionate about advancing research with impact, strengthening collaboration across disciplines, sectors and wider society, and promoting inclusive and effective approaches to innovation.
Dr Rachel Iredale
Head of Public Engagement with Research
Dr Rachel Iredale is Head of Public Engagement with Research at Research Ireland, where she leads initiatives across the research and innovation ecosystem to promote public engagement, engaged research, evidence-informed policymaking and collaboration between researchers, communities, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Rachel is a social scientist with extensive experience in health research, research and innovation evaluation, evidence-informed policymaking, and patient, community and public involvement in research. The main thread which has run through Rachel’s research career has been public engagement. She is passionate about ensuring that research is inclusive, relevant and responsive to societal needs, and about strengthening meaningful partnerships between researchers, patients, communities and the public. A champion of using public involvement to inform decision-making, Rachel has an international reputation for innovation in method, particularly in relating to engaging hard-to-reach communities, as well as children and young people with research, and she has pioneered the use of Citizen’s Juries in Wales.