• Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and In4kids, the Irish Network for Children’s Clinical Trials launch new National Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) which invites children and young people to share their voice and help shape child health research in Ireland.
  • This launch marks a significant step forward in involving young people in health research and ensuring that their perspectives shape the future of paediatric care in Ireland.
  • Funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), In4Kids and CHI Clinical Research Centre will jointly coordinate the Young Person’s Advisory Group.

A new initiative to bring together young people from across Ireland, so that the voices of children are central in shaping child health research and clinical trial design in Ireland is launched.

The national Young Person’s Advisory Group (YPAG) are looking for children and young people aged between 12-18yrs who have experience of chronic health condition, have participated in a clinical trial, have a family member or friend with such experience, and or who have a keen interest in science and research. This YPAG is a collaboration between Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and In4Kids, the national children’s clinical trials network led by the INFANT Research Centre at University College Cork (UCC).

Transforming children and young people from subjects of research to active research partners

Research indicates that hospitals actively involved in research tend to achieve better patient care outcomes. The creation of this YPAG is based on feedback from children and young people participating in various public and patient involvement (PPI) activities across Ireland, as well as insights gained from established YPAGs in Europe.

Professor Geraldine Boylan, lead for the In4kids network and INFANT, UCC Director, said:

“We are thrilled to launch this initiative, which empowers young people to actively contribute to the future of child health research in Ireland. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in guiding our efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.”

Professor Paul McNally, CHI Director of Research & Innovation and consultant in respiratory medicine, added:

“It is vital for us that the research we support is designed to have a direct impact on the child and family. One of the best ways to do that is to involve children and young people in the design and conduct of that research – as part of the team as opposed to ‘subjects’. The new national YPAG will drive a greater involvement of children and young people in child health research and is a fantastic new development.”

The YPAG will collaborate with healthcare professionals and researchers nationwide, transforming children and young people from subjects of research to active research partners. Funded by the Health Research Board, In4Kids and CHI Clinical Research Centre will jointly coordinate the group, which will become a member of the European network of YPAGs, eYPAGNet.

More information and application details can be found here.

This launch marks a significant step forward in involving young people in health research and ensuring that their perspectives shape the future of paediatric care in Ireland.