Irish-produced documentary highlighting the impact of clinical trials and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in diabetes research receives international recognition.
Photo: Carmel from Imperfect Days
The HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network is delighted to celebrate the international success of Imperfect Days, an Irish documentary that has been awarded an Honourable Mention in the Best Short Film category at the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival 2026 in Australia.
Directed by Dave Qualter and produced by Laura Qualter of Prospect Films, Imperfect Days was selected for one of the world’s leading science film festivals, which attracts more than 1,300 entries from over 26 countries each year. Now in its 26th year, SCINEMA recognises outstanding storytelling that connects science, medicine and society.
Photo: Faye from Imperfect Days
Produced with funding from the Health Research Board through the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, the documentary was created as part of the Science on Screen initiative, founded by CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, and Ardán, with the support of Research Ireland. The initiative has produced ten documentaries over the past decade, reaching audiences of almost two million people worldwide.
The 25-minute documentary explores the realities of living with diabetes through the stories of Carmel McDonagh, Tony Marshall and Faye Burke, who openly share their experiences of living with diabetes and participating in clinical trials. Their stories are complemented by insights from leading Irish researchers and clinicians, including Professor Fidelma Dunne, Professor Seamus Sreenan, Professor Matt Griffin and Dr Christine Newman, whose work is helping to transform diabetes care through innovative clinical research.
Photo: Tony from Imperfect Days
Filmed across Dublin and Galway, Imperfect Days explores diabetes across the life course with honesty, sensitivity and humour, demonstrating how clinical trials—and, critically, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)—are changing both the delivery and direction of healthcare research.
The documentary highlights the pioneering work of the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland and CÚRAM in advancing innovative clinical research in diabetes, including gestational diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other areas that have the potential to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes and associated conditions.
Photo: Still from Imperfect Days
A central theme of Imperfect Days is the importance of meaningful Patient and Public Involvement. The documentary demonstrates that involving patients and the public throughout the research process is not simply beneficial—it is essential to ensuring research addresses the questions and priorities that matter most to those it aims to serve.
Patient and Public Involvement was embedded throughout every stage of the documentary’s development, from the earliest concept through filming, editing and dissemination. This collaborative approach ensured the film authentically reflected patient perspectives while making complex medical research accessible and engaging for wider audiences.
Premiering at Pálás Cinema in Galway in December 2025, Imperfect Days has continued to reach new audiences and spark conversations about the importance of clinical trials, research participation and patient partnership. Its recognition at SCINEMA places the documentary alongside internationally acclaimed science films and further highlights Ireland’s growing reputation for excellence in public engagement with health research.
As healthcare continues to evolve, Imperfect Days demonstrates the power of combining authentic patient stories with scientific excellence to inspire understanding, build trust and encourage participation in clinical research.
Quotes:
Director Dave Qualter and producer Laura Qualter said:
“We’re thrilled that Imperfect Days has received an Honourable Mention at the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival. We hope that this recognition will help our film reach new audiences and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the project.”
Wendy Landers, PPI Contributor, said:
“PPI is becoming an increasingly integral part of research in Ireland, but this collaboration takes it to another level. This short film authentically captures the day-to-day reality of living with diabetes and will help a much wider audience understand why patients are such a vital part of the research process. It showcases dedicated clinicians, researchers and families, all working towards the same goal. I’m incredibly proud to have been involved as a PPI contributor and to have witnessed how David and Laura put everyone at ease, allowing people to be themselves. The result is a truly groundbreaking, emotive and thought-provoking film.”
Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director, HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, said:
“This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgement of the power of collaboration between patients, researchers and clinicians. Imperfect Days demonstrates that clinical trials are about far more than scientific discovery, they are about improving lives. By placing Patient and Public Involvement at the heart of both the research and this documentary, we are showing how people living with diabetes can actively shape the future of healthcare. We hope the film encourages greater public understanding of clinical research, builds trust in the research process, and demonstrates that the most meaningful advances in healthcare are driven by collaboration with the people they are intended to benefit.”
Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director, CÚRAM the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, said:
“This recognition is a wonderful work of the filmmakers. Also Imperfect Days demonstrates that clinical trials are about far more than scientific discovery – they are about improving lives. By placing Patient and Public Involvement at the heart of both the research and this documentary, we are showing how people living with diabetes can actively shape the future of healthcare. This international recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration between filmmakers, researchers and patients in bringing science to life for audiences everywhere.”
Alan Duggan, CEO of Ardán, said:
“It’s great to see Dave and Laura Qualter’s film ‘Imperfect Days’ getting picked up by a notable international science film festival like SCINEMA in Australia. Audience engagement is an important part of a filmmaker’s journey, and public access is a big part of CÚRAM and Ardán’s Science on Screen initiative, so this screening is a great opportunity.”
Watch the trailer: Imperfect Days trailer: https://f.io/bu3m-y8y
Upcoming screening:
Saturday, 19 September
10.30am – 2.00pm
Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis
In association with Thriveabetes
Media enquiries to: mary.deely@universityofgalway.ie