Conversations with friends, and academics: Trinity opens Conversation Cafes to encourage public involvement in research

Trinity College opens its doors this week to members of the public who have an interest in future research in key medical areas of brain and mental health.

The Conversation Café programme [running from today, Tuesday 11th October to Friday 14th October] celebrates engaged research and encourages both patients and the public to participate in the research areas of novel therapies for severe depression, health and mental well-being for children with Down syndrome, ADHD and technology and meeting the needs of the severely mentally unwell population, in particular people who have come in to contact with the criminal justice system.

This unique style of public, patient involvement (or ‘PPI’) in research enables stakeholders outside of the typical research team, to share their personal experiences and perspectives and contribute meaningfully to the direction of future research.

The Conversation Café programme is a worthwhile and interesting way for those who are simply passionate or curious about research to get involved.

The programme , hosted by the School of Medicine, coincides with National Public Patient Involvement (PPI) Week (October 10th to 23rd) and is supported by the Trinity PPI Ignite Office.

The Conversation Cafes are open to all and will appeal to a diverse audience who share a common passion for advancing research to impact on improved policies, therapies and supports for brain and mental health.

Brian O’Connell, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said:

“We are delighted to host the “Conversation Cafes: Brain and Mental Health” programme at Trinity and to welcome anyone with an interest in mental health and wellbeing to participate and share ideas with us.

“Trinity researchers know that the involvement of people from all walks of life in our work adds to the richness and meaning of our research and leads to better outcomes for society.

“We are deeply appreciative of the interest shown by members of the public, and we are looking forward to a lively and informative “Conversation Cafe”.

Michael Foley, Programme Manager for the Trinity PPI Ignite Office said:

“Working with patients and members of the public is now the norm in Irish health research.

“Public and patient involvement (PPI) makes sure that the lived experience of people with long-term conditions, disabilities or illnesses are actually at the research table as partners.

“Having that patient voice in the room provides a whole new context to how we do research, what we do it on and, most importantly, what happens to the results once we have them.

“I’ve seen patients working with researchers to reform or challenge everything from antenatal services through to end-of-life care.

“As part of the national PPI Ignite Festival, we’re delighted to co-host these conversation cafés.

“They are such a great way to start new conversations about how we might work together to achieve real impact.

“Here in Trinity, we have a strong tradition in standing up for research as a way to change the world for the better.

“With PPI, we are telling our communities that we cannot do that alone. We need experts by experience to give us a reality check about what’s needed, what will work and what they dream of for future generations”.