Event Report: EP BrainHealth Patient Reviewer Training Workshop – 28 – 29 April 2026

The EP BrainHealth successfully hosted a two-day online Patient Reviewer Training Workshop on 28–29 April 2026.

The workshop was organised to prepare people with lived experience for participation in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the EP BrainHealth 2026 Joint Transnational Calls. As part of its commitment to meaningful patient and public involvement, the EP BrainHealth integrates patient reviewers into the proposal evaluation process to ensure that funded research reflects the needs and priorities of people affected by brain disorders.

A key feature of the workshop was the opportunity for patients and carers to gain hands-on experience by reviewing real research proposals, drafting written assessments and active participation in a mock review panel discussion, while receiving professional feedback by a communications trainer.

Feedback of Workshop participants

I appreciated how you created a space where lived experience was treated as expertise and how you equipped us with practical tools to contribute with confidence. This training will make a real difference in how we show up in panel discussions and in how patient voices shape brain health research.

Workshop participant 1

Thank you very much for the workshop and the opportunity to be part of this experience.

Workshop participant 2

Thank you for delivering such a thoughtful and empowering training. Your guidance made the role of a patient reviewer feel clear, achievable, and genuinely valued.

Workshop participant 3

Thank you so much for the workshop; it was truly beneficial.

Workshop participant 4

Day 1: Introduction Day

The first day provided participants with an overview about the EP BrainHealth, its funding mechanisms, and the role of patient reviewers in the project evaluation process. Participants attended teaching sessions covering Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in health research and the proposal review procedures used within EP BrainHealth.

Interactive breakout sessions encouraged the participants to explore what constitutes meaningful PPI. A panel discussion and Q&A session with experienced patient reviewers enabled attendees to actively engage with them, gaining first-hand insights into the responsibilities and impact of the role as a patient reviewer.

Day 2: Patients in Action

The second day focused on developing the practical skills needed to participate confidently in review panels. In interactive breakout sessions the participants formulated key messages for the mock panel discussion later that day.

A professional communications trainer led the communication training sessions designed to support participants to effectively articulate their perspectives during proposal discussions in peer review panels. Participants received professional feedback on their communication skills.

The workshop concluded with a mock review panel discussion, allowing participants to experience the dynamics of a real review meeting and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.

Outcomes

The workshop was attended by 35 participants from 21 countries. It provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the EP BrainHealth review process and the contribution patient reviewers make to research funding decisions. Through a combination of expert presentations, practical exercises, interactive discussions, and communication training, attendees were equipped to make an informed decision about becoming patient reviewers for the EP BrainHealth 2026 calls.

By investing in patient reviewer trainings, the EP BrainHealth continues to strengthen patient involvement in research, builds capacities and fosters funding procedures that value the perspective of those most directly affected.