We’re excited to share a major milestone for Diabetes Action Canada (DAC): a new peer-reviewed paper, “Partnering for impact: best practices for planning in-person academic events with Patient Partners involvement – Lessons learned from Diabetes Action Canada,” was published in Research Involvement and Engagement in May 2025.

Link here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40900-025-00729-9

This paper shares key insights and practical lessons from eight years of DAC’s in-person workshops, gatherings designed not just about people with lived experience of diabetes, but with them at the centre of planning and delivery. Over that time, more than 100 researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and Patient Partners have collaborated to build inclusive, accessible, and impactful spaces for dialogue and learning.

What makes this publication especially meaningful is that it was co-designed and co-written with Patient Partners, from start to finish. Patient Partners played central roles in shaping the research questions, planning the workshop described in the case study, and contributing as authors. This highlights DAC’s approach and commitment to authentic partnership and shared leadership in patient-oriented research.

The paper outlines practical strategies that promoted equitable participation and strengthened collaboration across disciplines; from co-designed agendas and symbolic markers highlighting Patient Partner presentations to facilitated networking opportunities that encouraged meaningful connections. These practices helped address power imbalances, ensure accessibility, and support genuine engagement for all participants.

Already, this work is gaining international attention, reinforcing a simple but powerful message: research spaces are stronger when they are built with, not just for, those most affected. These lessons offer a practical roadmap for organizations committed to moving patient engagement from principle to practice.

Read the full open-access paper here: Partnering for impact: best practices for planning in-person academic events with Patient Partners involvement– Lessons learned from Diabetes Action Canada