Conversation Cafe

On 26th February 2019, researchers from Trinity College Dublin invited families living with autism to meet with its research team in Trinity Institute of Population Health, Tallaght, Dublin 24. The event ‘What’s next in autism genomics?’ (https://www.tcd.ie/ttmi/AutismGenomics/)

Five expert speakers talked about the progress and the potential for genomics research in autism, followed by a Conversation Café where attendees sat at tables of eight people with a facilitator. The facilitator had activities to get people thinking about the issues and to formulate practical discussion about where Trinity’s research should go next in this area.

This was a highlight as there was great discussion with researchers over the importance and opportunities for public involvement in autism research. What emerged from the day was how eager the participants were to participate in a careful conversation about research, how intrinsically valuable that conversation is to research and practical ways to harness the collective brains from researchers and family members!