Conference Theme

Putting People First:​ Advancing Meaningful Measurement​

The 2027 conference will highlight the voices and experiences of the people at the heart of quality of life research. The theme explores how meaningful partnership with people with lived experience can strengthen research across its lifecycle; how representation and interpretability can ensure quality of life evidence reflects diverse populations, contexts and experiences; and how patient-reported experience data can deepen our understanding of people’s quality of life and the ways, which they are interpreted and used. Together these interconnected areas shape what we measure, how we measure it, and how findings are understood and applied across research, clinical practice and policy. The program will consider how putting people first can advance more meaningful, relevant and actionable quality of life research while also examining emerging opportunities and challenges.

Plenary Sessions

Beyond Participation:​ How Partnership Strengthens Quality of Life Science​
This session will explore how meaningful involvement and partnership can be embedded across the research lifecycle, with attention to whose voices are included, how contributions influence research and how these approaches strengthen scientific credibility, implementation, and decision-making.

Beyond the Average: Representation and Interpretability in Quality of Life Research​
This session will explore representation and interpretability in quality of life (QOL) research, with particular attention to whose experiences are reflected, how variation and context are addressed and how these considerations influence measurement validity, interpretation, and application across settings.

Beyond Patient-Reported Outcomes:​ Why Patient Experience Data Matters​
This session will explore experience as a distinct and valuable source of evidence in QOL research, with particular attention to how lived experience informs the meaning, interpretation, and application of QOL findings in research, care, and decision-making.

Scientific Program Committee Co-Chairs