The meeting focused on two main topics. Firstly, the various options for citizen and patient participation were presented and discussed, either as co-researchers in a specific project or as an advisory board that can make overarching recommendations. Secondly, the responsible communication of new and promising research results to the public was addressed. Prof. Barbara Ludwig presented her research work on the transplantation of artificial pancreases. The publication of these research successes on diabinfo.de was rated by the Advisory Board as a successful example of good science communication.

Personal exchange at eye level
The personal exchange between the advisory board members and the PLID scientists did not come up short at this meeting. The discussions offered participants the opportunity to gain insights into ongoing research work, ask questions and contribute their perspectives. The open dialog between those affected and the scientists helps to deepen the understanding of the needs of patients and to strengthen the collaboration between research and people with diabetes, as Advisory Board member Marian Meinhardt-Schönfeld impressively demonstrates with his spontaneous documentation illustrations.

Left: "Are there any positive viruses at all?" - When the Patient Advisory Board asks scientists.
Right: "Is that a Borg cube?", "No, an islet cell!"                                                                   © Mamei

The advisory board
The Citizens' and Patients' Advisory Board has been supporting the work of the DZD since 2021. It advises the DZD on the translational research strategy and on research projects from the perspective of citizens and patients. The committee consists of people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, relatives and interested citizens.