A blog by Dr Janet Diffin, Senior R&D Programme Manager, HSC R&D
PIER (Public Involvement Enhancing Research) was established in 2010 to help Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSC R&D) embed Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in its own decision-making processes, and to raise awareness of the benefits of PPI in Health and Social Care (HSC). PIER also helps HSC R&D ensure that the views of patients, carers, and service users are included in the decisions made about HSC research in Northern Ireland. Together, they bring a wide breadth of knowledge and skills to HSC R&D and are an invaluable part of the team.
I would like to recognise the contributions that PIER have made to HSC R&D in the previous year.
In 2025/26, PIER members have:
- Been an instrumental part of HSC R&D‘s application processes and funding panels to help inform what research we should fund, and to ensure that PPI has been included in the research process.
- Responded to requests from researchers for PPI advice on their research projects and funding applications.
- Supported HSC R&D with PPI training delivery to researchers and the public.
- Joined advisory groups to guide specific projects, such as Involvement Matters.
In addition, PIER members are involved in many different areas of research and service development outside of HSC R&D.
Welcoming new and long-standing PIER members at a PIER session in September 2025.
I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank PIER for their continued support and enthusiasm for PPI in Northern Ireland and beyond. They are an integral part of the PPI community and their influence is wide reaching. We have another exciting year ahead and I look forward to working with the group as we work on addressing the PPI priorities from the Involvement Matters project.
New member, Claire Beers, who joined PIER in 2025 has shared her thoughts on being a member of PIER:
“I have really enjoyed my first year with PIER. It has been incredibly interesting attending the meetings and discovering what is currently happening in Health and Social Care research. I have been particularly interested in how the role of PPI is developing in this field. The team are all supportive and encourage everyone to be heard. Involvement in research takes many forms and PIER encourages us to use our voices to become involved within our areas of interest to fit in around our commitments.”
Member Donna Maguire, who joined PIER in 2024 shares her feedback on being a member for over two years:
"It has been an honour to join PIER and get to be a part of research. The energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and I look forward to a bright future full of collaboration and progression."
You can view the biographies of our current members here.
Interested in becoming PIER member?
Membership of PIER is voluntary and new members are welcomed to join on an on-going basis. We support PIER members through an annual Learning and Development programme, training opportunities, and conference/workshop attendance.
If you would like to find out more please read the description of PPI role and complete and submit the 'Expression of Interest' form.
You can also contact Janet Diffin (Senior R&D Programme Manager): Janet.Diffin@hscni.net / 07721163412.
