Inclusive Research in Urgent and Emergency Care, 10-11th November 2025
Frances Steele – Specialised Foundation Doctor, Bristol
As an Academic Foundation Doctor on the Specialised Foundation Programme, Ive had exposure to research, but I am also at the stage of working out what a research career might look like after foundation training. I arrived at the NIHR Emergency Care Incubator Symposium feeling excited but not entirely sure what to expect.
The theme of the symposium was inclusive research in urgent and emergency care. Over the two days, we heard from early-career researchers, experienced investigators and members of the Incubator faculty. The programme combined short presentations, keynote talks and small-group breakout sessions, which made the whole event feel very interactive and grounded in real-world experience.
Early career researcher presentations:
One of the highlights for me was the early-career researcher session, which opened the event. We heard from a genuinely multi-professional group (paramedics, nurse practitioners and doctors) presenting work at different stages, including projects linked to PhDs. Topics ranged from head injury screening in pre-hospital settings, to waiting times in the emergency department and socioeconomic background, and screening tools used in the emergency department. It was inspiring to see such a variety of people and ideas represented on the same platform. Prizes were awarded for best presentations and posters, which underlined that this symposium was a great opportunity to deliver either a national oral presentation or showcase a national poster.
Keynote speakers – honest journeys into research:
We also heard from two keynote speakers: Professor Steve Goodacre, drawing on around 30 years of research experience, and Mrs Kate Coates, a trauma research physiotherapist by background who is now a Chief Investigator. What struck me most was how different their journeys were, and yet how much common ground there was in the challenges they described. Both spoke very honestly about the highs and lows of research, which highlighted the personal resilience needed in successful research careers. We were also provided with practical advice, such as test-driving documents before delivery; hearing concrete examples of when this had not been done, and the problems that this caused, made it very memorable.
Breakout rooms:
Across the two days, we rotated through several breakout rooms. These were usually guided by questions from delegates, with faculty on hand to share their experiences. It was also an opportunity to talk honestly with peers about challenges we have faced or are currently facing. We covered:
- Developing research questions using PICO
- Building inclusive research using the INCLUDE frameworks
- Getting started with funding applications and fellowships
- Getting the best out of Collaboration and Mentorship
- Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in emergency research
- Turning service improvement ideas into research projects
- Navigating research careers
Rather than going through each detail, Ive pulled out the elements that stayed with me most:
The session on inclusive research was particularly valuable. We talked about what it actually means to include people who are often under-represented in emergency care studies and how much of the hard-to-reach label reflects barriers we create ourselves. This includes relying on digital follow-up when people have limited access, using materials that arent available in different languages, and scheduling appointments at times that dont work for people. We also discussed dissemination and the importance of not just publishing in journals but also actively feeding back to participants and communities. It made me think much more intentionally about who research is for and how easily we can lose sight of that once a project is underway.
The discussions around funding, PPIE and career development were very practical. There was a clear message that, when it comes to grant proposals, rejection is common, timelines are long, and feedback (even when disappointing) is gold dust. We also discussed strengthening applications by anchoring questions in established priorities (such as NICE research recommendations or James Lind Alliance priorities). PPIE came up as both a challenge and an opportunity. It was helpful to hear people be honest about when it had or hadnt worked well and how they changed their approach.
Overall reflections:
Overall, the symposium was a unique and valuable event. I would recommend it to colleagues from across all healthcare professions, whether they have substantial research experience or are just starting to think about getting involved. I left feeling more aware of the realities of research, more informed about practical steps I can now take and more connected to a community of people working towards similar goals in emergency care.
I would like to thank the Emergency Care Incubator team for organising the event, and the faculty and speakers for sharing their experiences so openly. I look forward to attending again in the future.
Key take-home messages from the symposium:
- It is never too early or too late to get involved in research.
- Research is a team sport collaboration is key.
- Expect to face hurdles, rejections and delays be resilient and use the feedback to improve.
- Anchor your research ideas in real-world priorities.
- Get a mentor!
