On October 22, 2024, the first meeting of the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group was held online as part of the Horizon 21 (H21) research consortium. This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first H21 event to actively involve patients in the development of the research project, following the well-established PPI methodology.

The meeting brought together participants from eight European centers: Ireland, the UK, Spain, Norway, France, Germany, and Greece. Its main objective was to foster connections among patients and to initiate a discussion on key lifestyle topics addressed in the project: nutrition and physical activity.

During the session, participants were invited to share their daily habits and personal experiences related to food and exercise. They also reflected on the feasibility of making lifestyle changes, expressing what might help or hinder improvements in their diet and activity levels.

These valuable contributions provide essential insight into the real-life context of the individuals concerned, ensuring that the research remains relevant, realistic, and patient-centered. This first PPI meeting laid the foundation for a collaborative and inclusive research process that recognizes the expertise and voices of patients from the very beginning.