The Patient Engagement Hub created by EATRIS and partners

In contemporary translational medicine and health innovation research, patient engagement is becoming increasingly important, as it not only improves the quality of research but also ensures that outcomes better reflect patients’ real needs. To support researchers who need to involve patients in their studies, an online resource - the Patient Engagement Hub - has been created. It is a free digital platform that brings together guidelines, training materials, and practical tools for planning, implementing, and evaluating patient engagement in research.

The resource was developed as a joint initiative of EATRIS (the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine), the European Patients’ Forum (EPF), and the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), and was created as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 project EATRIS-Plus. The platform aims to make patient engagement a routine and integrated research practice by providing both researchers and patients with practical knowledge and resources for successful collaboration.

The platform offers a wide range of content to help users understand the core principles of patient engagement, planning steps, and practical implementation. It includes materials on the importance of patient engagement and building meaningful collaboration; guidelines for patient involvement at different stages of research—from idea formulation to evaluation of results; and practical resources, such as guidance on patient involvement in laboratory or clinical research and on remuneration issues. In addition, the platform provides training materials and free training courses, a video stories section featuring experiences of researchers, patients, and caregivers, as well as frequently asked questions and opportunities for collaboration.

Who is it for?

This resource is useful for researchers and research groups that have not yet started or are only beginning patient engagement activities and want to understand how to implement them in a high-quality, ethical, and meaningful way. It also supports project managers and grant applicants who are planning patient engagement in national or international projects. At the same time, the platform is valuable for patient organizations and activists who wish to better understand the research process and collaborate with scientists, as well as for representatives of the industry and innovation community working on patient-centered research and development initiatives.

Why is this important for translational research?

Patient engagement in translational research helps increase the impact of studies, supports the identification of new ideas and priorities, and increases the likelihood that research results will be successfully implemented in practice. The platform provides practical support for building meaningful, ethical, and structured partnerships between researchers and patients, thereby strengthening the quality and societal relevance of translational research.

More information and access to resources: https://patient-engagement.eu/

Information provided within the project “RSU participation in the Horizon Europe programme” (No. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014).

*project no. 1.1.1.5/3/25/I/014