Have your say about future research

It’s an exciting opportunity to learn about some of the innovative new research projects that are just getting under way, meet the pioneering scientists behind them, and help shape future research. Sign up for PPI Day 2021 has now closed.

We believe it’s vital that the views and preferences of people living with Crohn’s or Colitis are taken into account in the design of these projects, so they deliver what’s really needed. And the virtual format of this event, which worked so well last year, means that wherever you live in the UK you can attend and have your voice heard.

The free event brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, people living with Crohn’s or Colitis, and others with an interest in the conditions. You will hear directly from the researchers about their work and can expect a fascinating and diverse range of topics. Last year’s included the way bacteria in the gut might predict how patients will respond to biologic medicines, patient views on taking steroids and their side effects, and whether the smell of poo can be used to diagnose Crohn’s or Colitis in children.

The projects to be featured this year will be announced in mid-September, so keep an eye on the PPI Day webpage for further updates.

As well as answering participants’ questions, the researchers will use live voting polls to gather patient opinions about their research and use this to help shape its future direction. There will also be a set of virtual posters, with video clips and infographics, on a wide range of research projects.

You can read more about last year’s event, watch videos of the talks and access the virtual posters on our website. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from previous events, where people said how much they benefited from the day. “Excellent presentations, Q&A sessions and polls,” said one.

For another, getting involved meant, “the chance to improve my quality of life and quality of life for others. Also to try and ensure that clinicians understand better some of the real-life challenges of living with Crohn’s and Colitis.”

Researchers who took part emphasised how helpful interaction with patients had been. “It’s excellent to receive feedback from the audience and this will help us to refine our studies further,” said Professor Qasim Aziz, member of the Pain Collaborative Research Network, who is looking at risk factors for the development of chronic abdominal pain in people with Crohn’s and Colitis.

Participants came away with a feeling of optimism about the future. One summed it up when they said: “It’s good to know there is so much happening and so many enthusiastic researchers that may eventually cure Crohn’s and Colitis.”