Day 2: Young Persons’ Advisory Groups Share Their Experiences | 14 July 2026
The second day of the 12th International Children’s Advisory Network (iCAN) Summit 2026 continued at Barretstown, County Kildare, Ireland, bringing together children and young people, researchers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, and patient advocates from around the world to strengthen international collaboration and meaningful youth engagement in research and healthcare.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the participating Young Persons’ Advisory Groups (YPAGs). Young representatives introduced their respective groups, sharing their activities, achievements, and experiences in promoting meaningful child and youth engagement in research and healthcare within their countries and institutions. The presentations provided an excellent opportunity for participants to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and celebrate the diversity of the international iCAN community.
Among the groups presenting were several members of the TEDDY KIDS Network, including KIDS Albania, KIDS Bari, KIDS Kosova, KIDS Umbria, KIDS RAiN, eye-YPAG, and POLPEDNET KIDS Warsaw, showcasing the breadth of initiatives supporting children and young people as active partners in paediatric research.
Throughout the day, participants took part in a series of inspiring and interactive sessions led by UCB, Novartis, Empath Labs, and Fortrea, exploring topics including patient engagement, clinical research, innovation, and improving the experiences of children and young people in healthcare. Collaborative table discussions encouraged participants to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen international friendships.
Another key activity of the day was the collaborative development of the iCAN Roadmap, where young participants worked together to share their perspectives and contribute ideas that will help shape the future direction of the international iCAN community.
Alongside the youth programme, the iCAN Board of Directors convened to discuss the continued development and future priorities of the international iCAN network, reinforcing its commitment to advancing meaningful child and youth participation in research worldwide.
As the Summit progresses, the TEDDY Network is proud to see its Young Persons’ Advisory Groups actively contributing to discussions, building new international partnerships, and demonstrating the important role that children and young people play in shaping the future of paediatric research and healthcare.