Research Together: Building Relationships & Partnering on Health

Our PD Nurse Specialist Lisa Wynne was delighted to attend an event at Maynooth University (MU) on Monday, 21st October, organised by the Research Development Office (MU) in collaboration with Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI) and The Wheel. 

The event featured a packed agenda, bringing together speakers from various charities, including the St John of God Research Foundation and the Irish Cancer Society.

Particularly interesting was the presentation by Anne Lawlor, co-founder and chairperson of 22q11 Ireland, she highlighted the critical role of care partners’ lived experiences in shaping research partnerships. She emphasised the significance of research in driving care pathways, especially in the context of rare conditions. Anne’s insights underscored the value of collaboration between patients, parents, families with lived experience, and researchers. patience, and the multifaceted relationships that are essential for impactful outcomes.

Researchers from MU also presented their areas of expertise, sharing research projects that have thrived through collaboration. These discussions covered a range of important topics, including mental health and immunology. All speakers highlighted the value of collaborative relationships between researchers and patients and how research data has driven advocacy and improvements in care. An underlying theme of stigma emerged across all presentations, which Lisa found particularly interesting given the stigma often experienced in the world of Parkinson’s Disease.

Representatives from the Health Research Board and Horizon Europe also discussed upcoming funding opportunities, advancing further collaboration. The event successfully connected charity organisations, researchers, and external partners to discuss challenges and explore future partnerships. Looking forward to more sessions like this in the future.