On Friday the 26th of September 2025, innovative and vibrant early career researchers ventured to Sheffield for a day of specialised presentations and workshops aimed at career development for those at the beginning of their journey in neuroscience research. After a warm welcome from Professor Dame Pamela Shaw (Neuroscience Theme Lead of the Sheffield BRC) and Professor Oliver Bandmann (Academic Career Development Lead) the day kicked off with a presentation from Professor Paresh Malhotra (National Specialty Lead for Dementias and Neurodegeneration for the NIHR Research Delivery Network) who gave an excellent overview of the NIHR Research Delivery Network. This was followed by the new incoming Director for the Sheffield BRC, Professor Chris McDermott who took us on a journey through his academic career journey and gave practical advice to those in attendance who wish to follow in his footsteps. Rounded off our morning session was Tom Szczerbicki (NIHR programme manager) who shone a light on the career development funding pathways available through the NIHR Academy, helping our researchers realise the funding and opportunities on offer to them.

After a quick break for coffee and networking, our next session started off with Dr Jess Redgrave (consultant neurologist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals). This time we learned about forging a research career within the NHS and got an insight into a fascinating career featuring tips for a successful fellowship and the need to have three project ideas! We then heard from Dr Julie Haddock-Millar who described the different approaches to mentorship and how to engage with mentoring before the room separated into our afternoon workshop sessions. Topics included Career Pathways for NMAHPPs, Building Your Research Network, Research Inclusion and Patient & Public Engagement, Biomarkers and demonstrations of remote monitoring devices from Sheffield BRC Researchers – Dr Dan Blackburn, Dr Tecla Bonci, and their teams. Our small groups dived into the discussions with such enthusiasm that we had to usher them reluctantly back into the main room despite allowing extra time. The day ended with a Q&A panel featuring experts from different professional backgrounds and career stages, where our attendees could pick their brains and ask any final questions they might have.

This event brought together researchers from Edinburgh to London, and everywhere in between. The response and feedback we have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we hope to run a similar event next year.

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies.