Call for Patient Representatives to Join the Patient Advisory Group for the PROACT EU-Response Project
The European Patients’ Forum (EPF) is pleased to announce a call for representatives to join the Patient Advisory Group (PAG) for the project A European Proactive Adaptive Clinical Trials Network within EU-Response (PROACT EU-Response).
PROACT EU-Response aims to strengthen Europe's preparedness for future pandemics by building on existing networks of experts and civil society. The project focuses on advancing clinical therapeutic platform trials within hospital inpatient settings across Europe. In the event of a pandemic, this network will enable the rapid implementation of large-scale, multi-country platform trials to study the performance of therapeutics and diagnostic tools.
Find out more about the project on the dedicated page .
About the Patient Advisory Group (PAG) for the PROACT EU-Response Project
The PAG will be central to ensuring patient-centred engagement throughout the project’s implementation. Consisting of up to 15 patient representatives, the group will monitor and review the activities of the project from a patient perspective, ensuring that patient and public involvement is meaningful, impactful, and integrated across all project phases.
Members of the PAG will contribute by defining requirements, validating assumptions, and shaping patient-related outputs during the project. Your voice will influence clinical trial protocols, ethical standards, patient-facing documentation, and long-term preparedness strategies to help Europe respond better to future pandemics.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are looking for up to 15 individuals to ensure a broad and diverse representation across different geographies, disease areas, genders, and age groups.
Priority will be given to patients and representatives with direct experience of infectious respiratory diseases, as this expertise is particularly valuable to the scope of the project.
We particularly welcome applications from:
- Patients who have experience with infectious respiratory diseases,
- Family members or carers of patients with infectious respiratory diseases,
- Employees or volunteers from patient organisations, especially those working in the field of infectious respiratory conditions.
We also encourage applications from individuals living with other chronic conditions, especially if they are interested in pandemic preparedness and clinical research.
General Requirements (mandatory for all applicants):
- Must be 18 years of age or older,
- Must be from any European country,
- Must have previous advocacy experience,
- Must possess knowledge of clinical trials and/or pandemic preparedness,
- Availability to travel to the project’s Annual General Assembly (once per year within Europe).
Experience (advantageous):
- Previous involvement in multi-stakeholder projects,
- Previous participation in events, workshops, studies (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews) related to innovation, healthcare research, or clinical trials.
Skills:
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully in discussions,
- Comfortable working in online environments,
- Advanced English proficiency,
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when required,
- Ability to interpret and contribute to discussions based on large amounts of information.
Attributes:
- Willingness and confidence to actively participate in meetings and group conversations,
- Constructive, collaborative attitude and openness to provide and receive challenging input.
Foreseen Activities
As a PAG member, you may be invited to:
- Attend regular PAG meetings (online),
- Attend the project’s Annual General Meetings (once per year in-person) and virtual mid-term check-ins,
- Engage in consultations and activities with different project partners, including:
- Reviewing informed consent forms, patient-facing information, and sample collection materials,
- Providing input on patient-reported outcomes, safety reporting, and clinical trial site readiness,
- Participating in surveys, focus groups, or interviews on ethical, social, and regulatory considerations,
- Co-creating dissemination materials, education materials, and recommendations,
- Attend an induction meeting (online),
- Participate in e-learning and training activities (online).
Compensation
Each participant will receive financial compensation for their time commitment to PAG activities.
The amount of the compensation will vary depending on the level of participation in activities on an annual basis.
Travel, accommodation, and related expenses for participation in in-person meetings will also be fully covered.
Application Form and Required Documents
To apply, please complete the online application form HERE
The form will ask for:
- Personal details (name, country of residence, contact information),
- Short questions about your motivation for applying,
- Previous experience,
- A declaration of interest,
- Information on how EPF will process your personal data.
Please attach your updated CV when submitting your application.
Timeline and Selection Process
- 19/05/2025 - Launch of the call
- 23/06/2025 - Close of the call
What Happens After You Apply?
- Applications will be evaluated by EPF staff working on the PROACT EU-Response project;
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation (no formal interview preparation required, max 20 minutes);
- Selected candidates will receive further communications about onboarding;
- All applicants will be informed about the final outcome of the selection process.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application closing date to schedule their informal conversation.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
Estefania Callejas De Luca
Email: estefania.callejasdeluca@eu-patient.eu
We look forward to working together to strengthen Europe’s preparedness and responsiveness to future health crises through patient engagement!