Thank you for registering for the ‘Forging Your Research Pathway: Exploring NIHR development opportunities’ virtual event.
We eagerly anticipate your participation on January 22nd 2026.
Connect with us on social media: @NIHRresearch - Join the discussion using
Links to the breakout rooms will be available here, nearer the the event date
This event will bring together representatives from the RRDNs, the Research Support Service, the NIHR Academy, and other NIHR services. It will be a valuable opportunity to explore local career development pathways and highlight the support available for those continuing their journey in research delivery.
We will also take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our alumni, acknowledging their vital contributions to the research delivery.
Welcome: Forging Futures in Research
Exploring pathways, opportunities, and progression with the NIHR
Professor William Rosenberg
Progression in Action: Alumni Insights
Reflections from alumni on navigating research pathways, overcoming barriers, and building careers.
Dr Krishnaraj Rathod & Sammy Assayed MSc
Research & Development Departments: Your Local Partners for Support, Guidance and Career Growth
Understanding how your R&D team can help you navigate research, champion your ideas, and progress your career.
Kathryn Simpson & Lily KirkPatrick
Guiding Your Research Journey with the HRA
Understanding how the HRA can help you navigate approvals, ensure compliance, and protect participants, while supporting your research ideas from concept to delivery.
Beth Hemming & Will Griffiths-Stent
Navigating Research with the NIHR Research Support Service
Supporting design, delivery, and funding applications for health and social care research.
Professor Jane Wilcock
Developing Research Careers with the NIHR Academy
Training, guidance, and development to build a skilled and innovative research workforce.
Richard Milham
Delivering Research Across the Region with the Regional Research Delivery Network
Supporting researchers and health and care organisations to conduct meaningful research across the regions.
Imogen Sargent & Deirdre Brooking
Breakout Sessions
Expanding Research Horizons
The BEST4 Screening Trial: Delivering Research Beyond Hospital Sites
Building Research Together: Networks and Communities
Tips for fostering collaboration and community among researchers and trainees.
Dr Chris Oddy & Dr Mayur Murali
Interactive Q&A Session
Your Voice Matters: Engage, Inquire, Collaborate
Webinar Conclusion
Closing Remarks and Farewell
Welcome: Forging Futures in Research
Exploring pathways, opportunities, and progression with the NIHR
Professor William Rosenberg
Progression in Action: Alumni Insights
Reflections from alumni on navigating research pathways, overcoming barriers, and building careers.
Dr Krishnaraj Rathod & Sammy Assayed MSc
Research & Development Departments: Your Local Partners for Support, Guidance and Career Growth
Understanding how your R&D team can help you navigate research, champion your ideas, and progress your career.
Kathryn Simpson & Lily KirkPatrick
Guiding Your Research Journey with the HRA
Understanding how the HRA can help you navigate approvals, ensure compliance, and protect participants, while supporting your research ideas from concept to delivery.
Beth Hemming & Will Griffiths-Stent
Navigating Research with the NIHR Research Support Service
Supporting design, delivery, and funding applications for health and social care research.
Professor Jane Wilcock
Developing Research Careers with the NIHR Academy
Training, guidance, and development to build a skilled and innovative research workforce.
Richard Milham
Delivering Research Across the Region with the Regional Research Delivery Network
Supporting researchers and health and care organisations to conduct meaningful research across the regions.
Imogen Sargent & Deirdre Brooking
Breakout Sessions
Expanding Research Horizons
The BEST4 Screening Trial: Delivering Research Beyond Hospital Sites
Building Research Together: Networks and Communities
Tips for fostering collaboration and community among researchers and trainees.
Dr Chris Oddy & Dr Mayur Murali
Interactive Q&A Session
Your Voice Matters: Engage, Inquire, Collaborate
Webinar Conclusion
Closing Remarks and Farewell
Jane is the National Academic and Strategic lead for the NIH...
Krishnaraj Rathod has been recently appointed as a Senior Cl...
I have worked in the Academy for over six years and am respo...
Research Nurse – Infection and Sexual Health (RID-TB)UCL Cen...
Jane is the National Academic and Strategic lead for the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Research Methods Academy, and a Senior Methods Advisor at the Imperial College London and Partners RSS hub. Jane is Principal Research Fellow at UCL's Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health where she has extensive experience in dementia research, ageing, palliative care, and managing complex health needs.
Krishnaraj Rathod has been recently appointed as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and an Honorary Interventional Cardiology Consultant at Barts Heart Centre in London. He has completed the Associated Principal Investigator (API) Scheme for two studies (iCorMicA and CHIP-BCIS3). He played an essential roll in setting up these two studies at Barts Heart Centre and continues to help with recruitment and presents at regular investigator meetings. He is also now a local API Champion at Barts Heart Centre and the Barts CVCTU. Krishnaraj has also presented at a number of national meetings to help promote the API scheme both at a regional and a national level. In addition, following completion of this scheme, Krishnaraj has now started to take up roles as Principal Investigator in studies that he has started at Barts Heart Centre and QMUL.
I have worked in the Academy for over six years and am responsible for managing some of our career development awards, in particular the Predoctoral and Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Awards; this includes supporting applicants and awardees, working with our funding committees and Chairs, and running associated funding competitions.
Research Nurse – Infection and Sexual Health (RID-TB)
UCL Centre for Clinical Research in Infection and Sexual Health
Institute for Global Health
I am currently a TB Research nurse for UCL working on different research studies across London. I have an MSc in Adult Nursing and an MA in Social development HIV research. I have worked in HIV for 7 years as HIV practitioner specifically within Middle Eastern and South Asian communities. I specialise mainly around social stigma as per my thesis and have developed it within my role over the years such as training and awareness within the communities and also to management working in third sector.
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