Welcome & About

This event is aimed at students and recent graduates interested in research, and will enable them to learn more about engaging with and getting involved in health and care research.

The event will cover:

Interactive breakout sessions
Talks introducing research careers, why research matters
The chance to meet other attendees and learn from researchers at a range of career stages

This event is part of a series of student engagement events being delivered by NIHR in 2025 and is open to any students or recent graduates (apprenticeship, internship, undergraduate, graduate or masters students currently undertaking undergraduate training or who have recently graduated) within health and care. Through the event, we aim to make a positive impact on groups and professions identified as underrepresented within NIHR. As a result, we particularly encourage attendance from those aspiring to be:

Health and care professionals (nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists and healthcare scientists)
Social work and public health professionals
Researchers in methodology (including health data science).
Those who are under-represented within NIHR. For examples, please see the NIHR Diversity Data Report

Watch

If you would like to watch without closed captions, please click here

Join the discussion with Slido

Breakout Rooms

To access the breakout sessions, please enter your email address in the form below. You will then be able to access the link for the breakout room to which you have been assigned.

Please contact NIHR@claritybt.com in case of any queries

Agenda

Thursday 1st May

10.00 - 10.05

Welcome

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

10.05 - 10.15

Meet the Student Facilitators

10.15 - 10.35

Introduction to Research Careers

Talk about the variety of research careers and opportunities to engage with research

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

10.35 - 11.05

Keynote

You will have the opportunity to hear from 4 individuals who are new to research. They will talk about their experience to date and the benefits/highlights, future plans and why they want to continue to pursue a career involving research.

Louise Judd

Dietitian - University of Hertfordshire

Sophie Bennett

Podiatrist - University of Southampton

Lewis Marr

Clinical Research Assistant - Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

11.05 - 11.25

Break

11.25 - 11.40

Creative Methods for Research Communication

Rebecca Williams

PhD Student - University of Cambridge

11.40 - 12.25

Breakout session (by career/discipline)

Senior researchers + ECRs to take questions and signpost opportunities, similar to demystifying research

12.25 - 12.35

Break

12.35 - 12.55

Why Research Matters

An inspiring story from a senior and early career researcher about their journey, how their research has made a difference and how it has benefitted their career.

Kay Mafuba

Professor of Learning Disabilities, University of West London

Chiedeza Kudita

Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Public Involvement, University of West London

12.55 - 13.05

Closing Remarks

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

Thursday 1st May

10.00 - 10.05

Welcome

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

10.05 - 10.15

Meet the Student Facilitators

10.15 - 10.35

Introduction to Research Careers

Talk about the variety of research careers and opportunities to engage with research

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

10.35 - 11.05

Keynote

Louise Judd

Dietitian - University of Hertfordshire

Sophie Bennett

Podiatrist - University of Southampton

Lewis Marr

Clinical Research Assistant - Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust

11.05 - 11.25

Break

11.25 - 11.40

Creative Methods for Research Communication

Rebecca Williams

PhD Student - University of Cambridge

11.40 - 12.25

Breakout session (by career/discipline)

Senior researchers + ECRs to take questions and signpost opportunities, similar to demystifying research

12.25 - 12.35

Break

12.35 - 12.55

Why Research Matters

An inspiring story from a senior and early career researcher about their journey, how their research has made a difference and how it has benefitted their career.

Kay Mafuba

Professor of Learning Disabilities, University of West London

Chiedeza Kudita

Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Public Involvement, University of West London

12.55 - 13.05

Closing Remarks

Wendy Baird

Associate Dean, NIHR Academy Infrastructure and Capacity Building Structures Research, University of Sheffield

For technical queries regarding the event, please contact our administrators at the email below
NIHR@ClarityBT.com