Newsletter – June 2026 – Redic Incubator

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Race, Equity & Diversity in Careers

Formed in January 2024, the Race Equity and Diversity in Careers (REDiC) Incubator was developed to build research capacity and support the development of research careers for racially minoritised health and care professionals. The Incubator’s work is driven by the themes of the NIHR Research Inclusion Strategy. This includes the ambition to increase the diversity of NIHR researchers, award holders and panel members.

News:

Prof. Bhuvaneswari Krishnamoorthy’s inspiring career journey
Prof. Yemisi Takwoingi appointed as NIHR Senior Investigator
Prof. Olivia Wu appointed as NIHR Programme Director

In this edition:

REDiC Activity Update

NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Training and Development meeting – March 2026
Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals Conference – March 2026

Upcomping Events

Breaking Barriers – A REDiC and MHSCI podcast series
Navigating NIHR funding opportunities and building an inclusive research future for all – Webinar – September 2026
Cultivating Academic Research & Empowerment (C.A.R.E) event – October 2026

Training, Events & Opportunities

CONNECT 2 – Building Fundable Research Futures Programme
8th International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference 2026

NIHR News

Seventeenth Doctoral Research Training Camp – July 2026
NIHR Senior Investigator Applications Now Open (Round 20)
NIHR Open Career Development Awards
NIHR Academy Member’s Conference 2026

Other Newsletters

NIHR Academy Member Newsletter – June 2026
NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) Newsletter – May 2026
NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Newsletter – June 2026
West Midlands READY (Research Education And Development equitY) Bulletin – June 2026

REDiC News

Congratulations to our REDiC colleagues for being recognised for the outstanding work they deliver in their respective fields:

Prof. Bhuvaneswari Krishnamoorthy shares her inspiring journey from clinical nursing to Professor of Nursing and Surgical Practice. Prof. Krishnamoorthy is committed to improving inclusion in research and increasing participation among underrepresented and minority ethnic communities.

Prof. Yemisi Takwoingi has been appointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator. Prof. Takwoingi’s research has contributed to evidence-based diagnostics and healthcare decision-making worldwide.

Cohort 20 is now open for applications, see below for details.

Prof. Olivia Wu appointed as NIHR Programme Director. Prof. Wu will now lead the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research alongside her current Director role of the NIHR Better Methods Better Research programme and the National Research Collaboration Programme.

REDiC Activity Update

NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Bristol BRC) Training and Development meeting

11 March 2026, Bristol

Prof. Punith Kempegowda, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Birmingham and Honorary Consultant in Endocrinology, Diabetes and General Medicine, UHBFT, presented on behalf of REDiC at the NIHR Bristol BRC training theme day in March. The meeting discussed strategies to promote and embed equality, diversity, and inclusivity in a way that is meaningful and impactful in research training schemes, as well as how to monitor impact.

Prof. Kempegowda’s talk focussed on capacity building and he reflected:

“We need to think creatively about how we support the next generation of researchers. This includes developing innovative models to enable doctoral research through collaborations with industry and multi-funder partnerships, and creating pathways to support self-funded researchers where appropriate.

Equally important is ensuring that research careers are accessible to talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This requires proactive encouragement, mentorship, and the creation of supportive environments that enable diverse perspectives to thrive within applied health research.

Initiatives like REDiC highlight how nurturing inclusive research environments can strengthen the pipeline of future leaders in applied health.”

Post | LinkedIn

REDiC Activity Update

Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals Conference 2026

20 March 2026, Manchester

Left: Bini George with her team’s poster. Right: Bini George receiving the Runner’s up certificate.

REDiC network member Bini George, presented a poster on behalf of her team at the Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals conference in March.

Hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the conference theme focused on “Nurturing a New Era of Healthcare Together: Empowering Care Transitions between Hospital and Community”.

Their poster “Leave No One Behind: Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination Through Peer Support, Community Liaison Officers and Home-Based Care: A Community-Centred Approach” was awarded Runner-Up for Best Poster based on the public vote.

Congratulations to Bini and her colleagues for their fantastic work in this area!

REDiC Activity Update

Breaking Barriers: Amplifying Ethnic Minority Voices in NIHR Fellowships

A Podcast Series in collaboration with the NIHR-Supported ‘Race Equity & Diversity in Careers (REDiC)’ Incubator & Mental Health Social Care Incubator (MHSCI)

Are you a Health and Social Care Professional and / or researcher from a racially minoritised background?
Do you want to help inspire the next generation of researchers and future professionals in academia?

We are looking for Health and Social Care Professionals and researchers from ethnic minority backgrounds to share their experiences, highlight opportunities, and inspire others in research careers.

For further details, please contact Prof. Bhuvaneswari Krishnamoorthy b.bibleraaj@salford.ac.uk

Your story matters. Your voice could open doors for others.

Navigating NIHR funding opportunities and building an inclusive research future for all

Exploring NIHR developmental awards: DSE, SCPRA & Pre-Application Support

21 September 2026 12:00 – 13:00, webinar

This webinar aims to support underrepresented health and care professionals in their research aspirations by demystifying three NIHR award programmes:

Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) Award
Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA)
Pre-Application Support Fund

In three parallel breakout sessions, each panel will include an NIHR Programme Manager alongside successful applicants, funding selection committee member and mentors. Together, they will provide an overview of the programme, share practical insights from the application process, and offer top tips for success.

Each session will also feature an interactive Q&A, giving attendees ample opportunity to ask questions directly to the panel.

Further details, please contact redic.incubator@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Cultivating Academic Research Empowerment (C.A.R.E): A workshop for Racially Minoritised Health and Care Professionals

12 October 2026, 09:30 – 17:00, The Studio, Birmingham City Centre

We are pleased to announce we will once again be hosting our C.A.R.E workshop, following on from the success of our 2025 event.

The interactive programme has been designed to EMPOWER racially minoritised health and care professionals, early career researchers and those
interested in clinical and applied research; with the tools, insights and support needed to advance your career.

Includes an overview of the NIHR Academy Fellowship Programme and the opportunity to learn from lived experience of leading ethnic minority researchers.

Faculty includes:

Prof. Peymane Adab, Public Health Physician & Professor of Chronic Disease Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Birmingham
Dr Sarah Fallon Strategic Engagement Lead, RSS National Collaborative
Prof. Bhuvaneswari Krishnamoorthy, University of Salford
Mrs Lorraine Mighty, Co-Director, Root and Rise Ltd Coaching and OD Consultancy
Prof. Yemisi Takwoingi, University of Birmingham and REDiC lead

Places are limited – don’t miss your chance to be part of this fantastic event.

Further details, please contact redic.incubator@contacts.bham.ac.uk

TRAINING, EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

CONNECT 2 – Building Fundable Research Futures Programme

Applications now open – 20 funded EMCR places

A new career development programme from the NIHR Incubator for Clinical Education Research. The CONNECT 2 programme has been designed to support individuals to develop research and leadership capabilities within ClinEdR.

This bespoke programme is aimed at up to 20 individuals at postgraduate or postdoctoral level, who are working within or closely aligned to Clinical Education Research (ClinEdR), particularly those seeking to strengthen their research impact, funding readiness, visibility, and progression within NIHR and wider research pathways.

The three-month programme will consist of three online developmental workshops alongside an in-person impact exchange and networking day. Each session will also be an opportunity for early-mid career researchers to build their professional network beyond their institution.

Programme highlights include:

Developing research impact and visibility
Building funding readiness and fundability
Exploring NIHR and wider research pathways
Strengthening collaboration and professional networks
Connecting with peers, mentors, and established ClinEdR researchers

Key programme dates:

Online Workshop 1: 30th Sept 2026, 1400 – 1630
Online Workshop 2: 14th Oct 2026, 1400 – 1630
Online Workshop 3: 4th Nov 2026, 1400 – 1630
In person Development Day: wc 23 November 2025 (tbc) – all day

Apply here: APPLICATION FORM: CONNECT 2 Programme (2026)

For further information, please contact: Dr Nagina Khan, n.knan-523@kent.ac.uk / Marta Nogueira, marta.nogueira@newcastle.ac.uk

8th International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference (ICTMC) 2026

14 – 17 September 2026, Birmingham

A biennial conference organised by the MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership. ICTMC is the leading international platform for researchers and practitioners to present the very latest in trials methodology research. Our last conference attracted over 1200 delegates from academic, industry and healthcare settings in 32 countries.

Registration – ICTMC 2026

Contact: ictmc@in-conference.org.uk

NIHR News

Seventeenth Doctoral Research Training Camp

7 July 2026, 12:30 – 16:15

Virtual event. This virtual element of the camp is open to all.

The doctoral training camp is an annual event which provides guidance and practical experience to learn how to put together a successful application for funding beyond your PhD.

The event will provide an overview of NIHR Opportunities and presentations on topics such as: “Selling Yourself and Your Project” and “Developing Your Research Question”. Along with an Inspirational Speaker discussing their research journey, there will also be a dedicated virtual Q&A session where attendees will be able to pose questions to experienced researchers and NIHR staff.

For further details, please contact: NIHR@claritybt.com

NIHR Senior Investigator Applications Now Open (Round 20)

The NIHR Senior Investigator award recognises and supports outstanding leaders in health and social care research. Senior Investigators shape the future of NIHR, provide visible leadership in their field, and act as ambassadors for research across the sector.

Application are now open until 14 September 2026.

Learn more about the scheme:

Join a webinar on 7 July 2026, for practical guidance on how to prepare your application. Hear directly from committee chairs and Senior Investigators about what makes an application stand out, how your field is assessed, and how to position your leadership and impact. This session is ideal for senior researchers, mentors, and research support staff in these fields and anyone considering applying for the Senior Investigators award.

Senior Investigator award | NIHR

Demystifying the NIHR Senior Investigators award | NIHR

NIHR Open Career Development Awards

Predoctoral and doctoral awards

Pre-Application Support Fund (Cohort 9) | NIHR – Closing date 16 July 2026
2026 Academic Clinical Fellowships in medicine | NIHR – Closing date 31 March 2027
2026 Academic Clinical Fellowships in dentistry | NIHR – Closing date 31 March 2027

Postdoctoral awards

Development and Skills Enhancement Award (Cohort 10) | NIHR – Closing date 15 July 2026
2025 Clinical Lectureships in Medicine | NIHR – Closing date 1 September 2026
Harkness Fellowships in Health Care Policy and Practice 2027-28 | NIHR – Closing date 1 November 2026
Academy Member Event Fund 2026 | NIHR – Closing date 31 December 2026
2026 Clinical Lectureships in Dentistry | NIHR – Closing date 31 March 2027

NIHR Academy Member’s Conference 2026

6 – 7 October 2026, Leeds & Virtual

NIHR20 – The future is digital: revolutionising health and care research

This will be a hybrid event with in-person attendance at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, and online streaming for a virtual audience. The annual event is a fantastic opportunity for early career researchers to hear from inspiring speakers, network with peers and understand more about the NIHR. The conference will include a packed schedule of keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.

Registration

The NIHR Academy Members’ Conference is a fantastic opportunity for early career researchers. To be eligible to attend the conference in person, delegates should be an NIHR Academy Member currently on an NIHR academic path. Please note there are a limited number of in-person places.

Virtual attendance is open to all.

Registration will open in June. Registration for an in person place will close on 31 July, whereas registration to attend virtually will be open until 6 October.

After registration you will receive a confirmation email for your requested place. We will allocate in-person places as quickly as possible and you should hear within 3 weeks of registration closing.

Anyone who is not allocated a place for the in-person conference will automatically be registered to participate in the virtual event.

For all queries, please contact NIHR@claritybt.com

Other Newsletters

NIHR Academy Member Newsletter June 2026

School for Primary Care Research Newsletter May 2026

School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Newsletter June 2026

West Midlands READY (Research Education And Development equitY) Bulletin June 2026

Register your interest in the REDiC Incubator

Click Here

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