About SYNERG-IE

The SYNERG-IE Programme is an ambitious five year programme supported by an Applied Programme Grant (APRO) award from the Health Research Board in Ireland. Projects funded under this programme are designed to have an impact on the health and social care of individuals, population health, and the health system in Ireland and beyond.

SYNERG-IE is a multidisciplinary research programme designed in partnership with Sjögren’s Ireland that aims to address longstanding challenges in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of Sjögren’s (pronounced ‘show-grins’). Sjögren’s is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 in 200 people that is associated with significant illness affecting quality of life. Although relatively common, its complexity means that early signs and symptoms are often missed, leading to delays in diagnosis of ten years or longer for many people.

This programme will adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach, combining the skills of multidisciplinary researchers, the insights of patients, and the needs of healthcare professionals and policymakers to bring about transformative change in Sjögren’s care and research. Through involving people living with Sjögren’s and healthcare professionals, the research will reflect the real-world experiences of Sjögren’s and the findings will have maximum impact, leading to tangible improvements in care.

The SYNERG-IE Programme aims to make a difference to the lives of people affected by Sjögren’s in many ways. By optimising prescribing practices and medicines use, people will experience more personalised and effective treatments. Co-design approaches will be used to develop improved care pathways to enhance care experiences. National guidance and policies will provide a clear framework for care, reducing the current delays in diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the increased knowledge stemming from undergraduate and postgraduate education initiatives will improve awareness.