Mission

The Patient Voice in Cancer Research (PVCR) is an initiative to actively engage cancer patients, cancer researchers and other interested parties (patient advocates, families, carers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers and those with an interest in cancer research) in discussions and decision-making processes, which positively impact on cancer research and outcomes for patients.

Vision 

Our vision is to build connections between patients and cancer researchers. We will:

• Facilitate a two-way dialogue between patients and cancer researchers.
• Provide education and training for patients and cancer researchers to:
  • (i) Improve communication between both parties ensuring that cancer research is seen
    as a joint venture to overcome the disease and improve quality of life and overall
    survivorship during and post treatment.
  • (ii) To improve the understanding of cancer research in a concise and clear message to
    the wider community.
• Inform policy-makers and healthcare professionals of research needs that will benefit cancer
  patients.
• Provide greater clarity to patients on the capture, collection, management and use of data in
  cancer research.

Values

Our four core values are the foundation of everything we do in PVCR which are represented by the words Together, Relevant, Passion and Hope.

1. Together - Dialogue, Insight, Community, Empowerment

Community who engage with us will be a testament to the inspiring community we create; together we’re better! As part of UCD’s commitment to public patient engagement (PPI), we will proactively facilitate a true partnership and inclusive dialogue between patients, researchers and other relevant parties - patient advocates, families, carers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and those with an interest in research - in discussions and decisionmaking processes. We strive to provide insights and build relationships that will make a positive impact on shaping the future of research in Ireland.

2. Relevant - Excellence, Accountability, Impact, Synergy

We adhere to an ethical code of honesty and integrity in all that we do, valuing excellence in teaching and research and always dedicated to achieving synergistic relationships that are beneficial to our patients and researchers. We want to place patients at the heart of the research agenda and give them the opportunity to voice the questions and concerns that matter most to them and are likely to impact the relevance of treatments and outcomes. Together, we must show our determination to progress, seeking to constantly push boundaries.

3. Passion - Empathy, Respect, Trust, Approachability 

Listening with empathy to the voice of patients, we are a passionate driving force with an ambitious vision to transform and shape the future of health research in Ireland. We will strive to provide an environment where patients and researchers come together for their mutual benefit, while remaining respectful of everyone’s insights and opinions. We will facilitate researchers so that they can engage with the people for whom their research is most relevant. We will ensure that the real life experiences and concerns of patients are considered in key decision-making processes around strategies.

4. Hope - Authentic, Inspiring, Holistic, Purpose

We champion health, providing a dynamic forum that enables meaningful interaction. We will help facilitate patient-centric dialogue between patients and researchers, helping them to effectively connect, share knowledge and invaluable insights that will ultimately deliver a patientcentred approach to research that in turn will instil more hope for patients. We are focused and in touch with the expectations of both patients and researchers, a drivingforce with a sustainable vision for better informed research in Ireland both now and into the future.