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Registration now open for landmark event bringing Patient and Public Involvement community together
Interested parties are invited to register for the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Event 2026, taking place on Tuesday 3 March in Stirling
NHS Research Scotland (NRS) will be underlining its commitment to research excellence in PPI with a third interactive showcase of the country’s most powerful initiatives.
This year’s free to attend event will take place at Stirling Court Hotel, part of the University of Stirling Campus, and will be hosted by NRS and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government.
PPI is considered by both to be an essential part of health and social care research, and they will be encouraging attendance from partners, professionals, researchers, including early career researchers, and policymakers working in the area.
They believe it is vital that patients and the public play a prominent role in the research that affects them in order to accelerate studies and improve access, inclusivity, and diversity.
Among programme highlights — shaped by the PPI community — will be plenary sessions from:
- Sammy Waite, Patient and Community Involvement in Research Officer from the University of Edinburgh who is placing a focus on ‘Inclusive Language for Patient and Public Involvement’
- Peter Gee, Senior Public Involvement Manager from Health and Care Research Wales presenting on ‘Discover Your Role — Public Involvement Action Plan for Wales’
- Rachel Edwards, Public Engagement Officer of Research Data Scotland discussing ‘Public Engagement Fund Showcase: Engaging Scottish Communities with Data’
These will be complemented by interactive workshops, oral sessions, networking opportunities, a poster viewing session, and awards for best presentations and posters.
The event’s key themes will centre around ethical patient and public involvement, working with underserved groups and communities, and building and supporting the patient and public involvement community.
Dr Julie Simpson, Research Manager — Information and Capacity, at CSO, said: “Our third PPI gathering in as many years aims to pick up where we left off — with fantastic momentum and a shared enthusiasm for delivering on ambitions to improve the quality of PPI in research.
“PPI is a commitment certainly, but it’s also a passion for progress when it comes to involving patients, carers, and the public in designing, conducting, and improving healthcare research, ensuring it's relevant and effective. That means involving people who are far more than just recipients; it's a partnership where invaluable lived experience shapes studies for the better.
“With our event in Stirling, we will bring that activity to life, celebrating the successes but also considering where lingering gaps can yet be closed and analysing the bigger national picture thanks to diverse discourse.
“With that inclusivity to the fore, the event will bring together NHS, academia, and the third sector, as well as public contributors, and early career researchers to exchange knowledge, progress understanding and ultimately improve study approaches for more effective outcomes.
“I would urge early registration to ensure your place at this popular gathering.”
If you have any queries on the event, please contact communications@nrs.org.uk.
Publication date: 17th December 2025
