PPI Ignite Network at TCD

Professor Fiona Lyng is Manager of the Radiation and Environmental Science Centre at Technological University Dublin (https://www.tudublin.ie/resc/). She has >150 publications, a h index of 52, >8000 citations and has filed 4 patents.  She has mentored 15 postdoctoral fellows and >30 PhD students. 

Her research is focused on early detection of cancer and prediction of treatment outcomes and she is currently working on a TÉ-RI New Foundations co-design project with men with lived experience of prostate cancer in collaboration with Irish Men’s Sheds Association. Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Irish Cancer Society and the National Cancer Control Programme.

Dr Emma Murphy leads and manages TU Dublin’s Research Ethics, Integrity, and Responsible Innovation Office, and is an internationally experienced researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of computing, health, and inclusion. She has been a lecturer in the School of Computer Science at TU Dublin since 2019, following research positions at TCD, DCU, Vision Ireland and McGill University.

Holding a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast, an MSc from the University of Limerick, and a BA from Trinity College Dublin, her interdisciplinary background integrates computing with philosophical inquiry, underpinning her expertise in ethics, inclusive design and digital health.

Patrick Fitzgerald is a DigiCoach, Co-Researcher and Co-PPI Lead with TU Dublin’s PPI Ignite programme. Drawing on his lived experience, Patrick works to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are actively involved in shaping research, technology and services that support their lives. As a DigiCoach, he supports others to build their digital skills, confidence and independence.

In his research and PPI roles, Patrick works alongside academics and professionals as an equal partner, helping to make research more accessible, inclusive and person-led. He is a strong advocate for co-design, meaningful participation and ensuring that lived experience is valued in decision-making.

Dr Catherine Bates is Research Engagement Lead in TU Dublin, supporting researchers and non-profit partners to collaborate on projects for societal impact. She has a PhD in Sociology and an MA and BA in Design. From 2008-23, Catherine set up and managed TU Dublin’s Programme for Students Learning With Communities, supporting Community Engaged Research and Learning within the curriculum.

Catherine led TU Dublin’s involvement in four EU-funded projects supporting community engagement in research: TOGETHERNESS (2025-8), CIRCLET (2019-22), EnRRICH (2015-8) and PERARES (2010-4). Catherine previously lectured in design theory and worked as an adult education coordinator in the community sector. 

Mary Harkin is Programme Manager of PPI Ignite Network @ TU Dublin. With a background in media production and project management, Mary has extensive experience in research, evaluation and stakeholder engagement with a particular focus on collaborative and inclusive approaches. Leading the development of policy, research and evaluation activities at Age & Opportunity she established a PPI group of older people to advise and work with researchers.

Mary holds an MA in Communications and Cultural Studies and an MSc in Ageing and Public Policy and is committed to advancing the universal human right to participate in and benefit from research.