PPI Ignite Network at UoG

Dr. Ruth Mc Menamin, a lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy and co-lead of public and patient involvement (PPI) Ignite @ the University of Galway. Ruth has presented and published internationally on the topics of PPI and communication disability and difference. Ruth works collaboratively with people with lived experience, healthcare professionals, students and community organisations in research and education. Ruth is a member of the executive committee of the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATS) and she leads the ‘Early-Stage Researcher Training’ group. Ruth established and co-ordinates the Conversation Partner Programme for people living with stroke and aphasia in the Galway community.

Dr. Natalie Walsh (FRSA) is Co-Lead of Patient and Public Involvement in Research at the University of Galway and Director of Entrepreneurial Development. Her work is grounded in the belief that empathy is a bridge to better research, education and innovation. She is the co-founder of the Empathy Studio and teaches on the undergraduate medicine curriculum, embedding empathy, lived experience and human-centred approaches into learning. A Stanford Faculty Innovation Fellow and experienced entrepreneurship educator, Natalie designs and leads programmes across higher education, health and industry. She is passionate about creating spaces where diverse voices are valued and people are equal partners in shaping research, education and solutions.