Patient and Public Advisory Group meeting June 2026

The MRC CoRE RND Patient and Public Advisory Group (PPAG) met in June 2026 for the first time since the MRC CoRE was established. The group brings together researchers with individuals who have experience as patients and carers across a range of neurological conditions including Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, and stroke. The meeting marked an important opportunity to strengthen these relationships and ensure that diverse patient and public perspectives are embedded in the MRC CoRE’s research and innovation priorities from the outset.

A key focus of the meeting was the MRC CoRE’s plans for Patient and Public Involvement, with PPAG members discussing the different ways they could contribute to research, from providing feedback on research proposals and helping to make patient-facing materials accessible, to supporting the public dissemination of research findings. Members also discussed plans to establish additional condition-specific groups. These groups would provide more focused input on research relating to particular conditions, allowing researchers to explore specific issues in greater depth and ensuring that individual projects reflect the priorities of the people most directly affected.

More broadly, the group shared their views on how the PPAG should work in practice. Discussions covered the frequency and length of meetings, how to ensure an appropriate balance between in-person and online participation and how much pre-reading would be appropriate. Members also highlighted the importance of making meetings accessible and of ensuring that everyone had the information and support they need to participate fully. 

This feedback will help shape how the group develops and ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the MRC CoRE’s research.