April 30, 2026
On Monday 27th April researchers from QUB Prostate Cancer Centre of Excellence and patients from Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum met at Riddell Hall in Belfast for an interactive workshop. The afternoon was hosted by patient advocates who shared their experiences of the path to diagnosis, prostate cancer treatment and the ongoing impact of prostate cancer on their lives. A lively “Speed Dating” session and competitions for the best PPI plan and best lay summary gave researchers and patient advocates the perfect opportunity to get to know each other and try out the benefits of working in partnership.
One researcher said they had learned, “It is so important to engage early in the project design, to keep patients at the forefront of what we do. Also how important the quality of life is and dealing with side effects”. Patient advocates thoroughly enjoyed the session and said, “Spending that time with the students – and the quality of discussion – was rewarding”.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum is available to support and partner with cancer researchers looking for personal and public involvement (PPI) in their work, at any stage of the research cycle.