INNOVISION will mark the start of its programme on 13 May 2026 with a full-day, interactive online Kick Off Meeting hosted by South East Technological University (SETU). This event marks the start of a major European co-funded postdoctoral programme advancing transdisciplinary vision research through collaboration, impact, and patient engagement. The full agenda can be found, here.
Bringing together researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and patient organisations, the Kick-Off sets the foundation for a programme designed to move beyond traditional research silos and embed public and patient involvement (PPI) at the core of scientific development.
The agenda reflects this approach, combining strategic overview, expert-led sessions, and practical workshops. The day opens with an introduction to INNOVISION by Dr Laurence Fitzhenry, followed by a Fraser Horn (OD, FAAO) exploring how patient-centred innovation translates into future standards of care. Interactive sessions will focus on designing research for impact with Dr Saoirse Cummins, and integrating PPI meaningfully into research practice with Fighting Blindness. The programme also highlights institutional supports through PPI Ignite at SETU and includes a dedicated case study on Dry Eye Disease from the Dry Eye Foundation, illustrating how partnership with patients strengthens research relevance and outcomes.
This Kick-Off is not limited to programme participants. Training sessions are open and free to attend, offering value to researchers across disciplines who are interested in impact-driven, collaborative, and inclusive research methodologies.
Register here to receive your meeting link
https://setu-ie.zoom.us/meeting/register/bKZXQsDyRpOAqLqy_XGtoQ.
Event Details
Date: 13 May 2026
Time: 09:30 – 17:00
Location: Online (Zoom)
09:30 – 09:45
Welcome & Introduction to INNOVISION
Dr Laurence Fitzhenry
Overview of programme aims, structure, and opportunities, and announcement of the next recruitment campaign to join INNOVISION
09:45 – 10:00
Tour de Table
Participant introductions (including pre-recorded contributions)
10:00 – 10:30
Keynote
For the Patient Not Yet in the Chair: How Today’s Innovation Becomes Tomorrow’s Standard of Care
Speaker: Fraser C. Horn, OD, FAAO
10:30 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:30
Workshop: Designing Research for Impact
Dr Saoirse Cummins (SETU)
Interactive session on embedding impact in research design
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 15:30
Workshop: Embedding PPI in Research: From Principles to Practice
Speakers: Dr Shannon Lee and Declan Meenagh (Fighting Blindness)
A practical session focused on integrating public and patient involvement into research design and delivery
15:30 – 15:45
Break
15:45 – 16:00
Introducing PPI Ignite at SETU
Speaker: Dr Geraldine Canny (SETU)
Overview of institutional supports and frameworks for PPIE at SETU
16:00 – 17:00
Why Partner with Patients? Dry Eye Disease as a Case Study
Speakers: Rebecca Petris and Aidan Moore (Dry Eye Foundation)
Exploring patient priorities to strengthen the relevance and impact of research
This event represents a key step in positioning INNOVISION as a flagship initiative for integrating excellence, impact, and patient-centred research within European vision science.
