Calling all DS Sleep Researchers and Professionals: Dr Eve Hirst as Keynote Speaker for next meeting of the Down Syndrome and Sleep Research Network

The next meeting of the Down Syndrome and Sleep Research Network (DSSRN) is now set to take place online on Monday 23rd March 2026, from 12 noon to 1:30 pm (GMT).

The theme will centre on making research and clinical information accessible to people with Down syndrome. We are delighted to welcome our keynote speaker, Dr Eve Hirst, winner of the 2021 Research, Innovation and Education Award, who is developing new materials for the DSSRN. Dr Hirst will present in collaboration with a co-producer with lived experience of Down syndrome, offering first-hand insight into practical sleep and hospital experience, and providing examples of helpful and unhelpful practice.

We’ve chosen this topic because ensuring high quality two-way communication with people who have intellectual disabilities is at the heart of this kind of research. We know that this approach better protects human rights and equity, ensures effective co-production, reduces frustration, and makes for much better science. We’re all agreed that it’s incredibly important – but on a practical level, how can we practice it and promote it?

We hope this meeting will provide tools, insights and resources, as well as peer support. The session will be interactive, focusing on practical implementation and how to incorporate these resources into practice. The meeting will focus on co-production, accessible materials, and service user involvement.

We will also provide updates on the next in-person meeting of the DSSRN which will take place in summer 2026.

The registration link for the digital meeting is here. The link will go live at 12 noon GMT on Monday 23rd March 2026. You can also register via the QR code below.

Please spread the word to others who would be interested and would benefit from this meeting, especially if they are not already connected to the DSSRN.

We look forward to seeing you online then!