PPI Guidance for Researchers

In keeping with this commitment, we have embedded Patient and Public Partnership (PPP) in our research processes. The majority of Irish Cancer Society grant calls will require researchers to detail their plans for including PPP in their proposed research. These partnership sections will be reviewed by people affected by cancer (PPP reviewers).

We recognise that partnering with people affected by cancer can be a daunting process for cancer researchers especially when first starting out.  

At the Irish Cancer Society, we have been working with our Patient and Public Partnership since 2018, and we are happy to provide advice and support to cancer researchers on their PPI. 

Playing Our Part - Supporting Community Cancer Support Centres to Engage in Research in Ireland 

Dr Emer Guinan, Associate Professor and researcher at Trinity St. James's Cancer Research Institute (TSJCI) was awarded an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Research Networking Award in 2023. This project, lead by Dr Guinan, in partnership with co-applicants Mr John Conroy, Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Groups, and Mr Michael Foley, PPI Ignite, Trinity College Dublin, involved hosting a networking workshop with Community Cancer Support Networks. 

At the workshop, a collaborative group of Community Cancer Support Centre representatives, researchers and PPI representatives came together to discuss the challenges facing Cancer Support Centres in managing requests for research participation and PPI contribution. As a result of this workshop, the team developed a practical and comprehensive guidance document for researchers aiming to work with Community Cancer Support Centres.

This guidance documentation and infographic summarising the findings and recommendations can be found below.