Reflections on the 2025 SPCR Trainees Event

A warm welcome and strong participation

We were thrilled to welcome over 100 attendees this year, representing the range of SPCR-funded awards: PhD studentships, post-doctoral fellowships, clinician-researcher fellowships and our first cohort of GP Commercial Research Fellows.

It was a pleasure to welcome our new cohort of 11 GP Commercial Research Fellows from across the membership, as well as colleagues from the University of Birmingham, Newcastle University, and representatives from The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN).  

In addition, many of our SPCR Members were present, alongside invited guest speakers, patient and public involvement (PPI) contributors, and representatives from our NIHR funders and partner institutions.

Themes, highlights and new features

This year’s event featured;

• A series of engaging talks and masterclasses, offering trainees valuable insights into topics such as how to deliver a flash talk, how to engage with policy makers and publications, and careers advice. 
  
• Lightning talks, where trainees presented their research in 3 minutes and engaged in Q&A, enabling rapid exposure to diverse work across the School.

• A panel discussion with seasoned researchers exploring career pathways, leadership in primary care research, and how to navigate the evolving landscape of NHS and academic partnerships.

• We also held a trainee speed networking session - which was very well received.

Trainee work and impact

We were inspired by the breadth of research being undertaken across the SPCR portfolio this year. Trainees are investigating a diverse and wide ranging manner of research areas. It was a privilege for the Directorate to witness how the work of our trainees is shaping primary care research and, ultimately, the delivery of better care for patients and populations.

The abstract booklet for the event has now been updated and is available to view here.

Thanks to our partners and supporters

The success of the Trainees Event would not be possible without the support of many individuals and teams:

• Our SPCR Members in Southampton, who hosted this years event and helped the directorate team with the organisation of this years event. 

• The SPCR Trainees Committee, their time and support in attending meetings, providing thoughtful suggestions, and helping with event planning were greatly appreciated. 

• All of our panel members and speakers at the trainees event, whose expertise, insights, and enthusiasm made the sessions engaging and informative for all attendees.

Slides from our presenters are available below:

• Simon Cain - Presentation Skills
• Lauren Southwell - Publishing with The Lancet Primary Care
• Kerstin Nothangel and Francesca Dakin - PhD Internships and Enrichment Activities
• Hazel Everitt and Miriam Santer - What is the best careers advice I’ve ever received?

Looking ahead

As we move forward into the coming year, the Directorate would like to encourage all our trainees and members to remain active in the SPCR community: engage with peers, seek out mentorship, explore interdisciplinary collaboration, and think boldly about how your research can make a difference.

In preparation for next year’s event, we would also welcome your feedback - what worked well, what could be improved, and what you would like to see in future editions. 

Leave your feedback

Final comments

On behalf of the Directorate, thank you for making this year’s Trainees Event a rewarding event. The School and its mission depends on your ideas, energy and dedication, and we look forward to the many contributions you will make in the months ahead.