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Respiratory Clinical Research Training Day 2026

This Respiratory Clinical Research Training Day is a full-day meeting in Birmingham, chaired by Professor Nick Maskell. 

It will be of interest to respiratory specialty trainees who are considering research (ST4+), as well as those on the IMT programme (1-3) with an interest in becoming involved in respiratory research.

29

APRIL 2026

Birmingham Conference and Events Centre

Booking Status:

Open (closes Friday 13 March)

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Respiratory Clinical Research Training Day

  • Distinguished faculty will explore in small groups:

    • Routes into research
    • What research area is best for each trainee
    • How to develop a stellar CV/PhD application

    This event is aimed at respiratory specialty trainees who are considering research (ST4+), as well as those on the IMT programme (1-3) with an interest in becoming involved in respiratory research.

    Please note this is not suitable for those already registered for a PhD.
     
    There will be opportunities to hear from colleagues who are at the start of their research careers, as well as those with established international research portfolios.

    This meeting is supported by BTS in association with the NIHR. 

  •  

    Time Session
    09.00 - 09.30 Registration and coffee
    09.30 - 09.40 Welcome to the BTS Clinical Research Training Day

    Routes into research Chair: Professor Najib Rahman
    09.40 – 10.00 Routes into research - Step 1: Why do it, deciding on research topic/area, developing research question and funding NIHR pathways
    Professor Sam Janes
    10:00 - 10:30 Routes into research - Case studies: Hearing from those who have got into research
    Dr Akhilesh Jha
    10:30 - 10:45 Q&A
    10:45 - 10:50 Introduction to group sessions: Types of research – what’s best for you?
    10:50 - 11:05 Refreshment break
    Types of research – what’s best for you?
    11:05 - 12:40 4 simultaneous group discussions (groups rotate through each session)
      Group session A: Translational research
    Dr Akhilesh Jha, Dr Rahul Mahida
      Group session B: Epidemiology research
    Professor James Dodd, Dr Chloё Bloom
      Group session C: Clinical trials
    Dr Charlotte Addy, Dr Cara Flynn
      Group session D: Research networks
    Professor Nick Maskell, Dr Steven Walker
    12:40 - 13:20 Lunch break

    How to... Chair: Professor Nick Maskell
     13:20 - 14:55  4 simultaneous group discussions (groups rotate through each session)
      Group session E: Designing a great research question
    Dr Steven Walker, Professor Alice Turner
      Group session E: Designing a great research question
    Dr Steven Walker, Professor Alice Turner
      Group session G: How to submit a successful PhD application
    Dr Anna Bibby, Professor James Chalmers
      Group session H: How to submit a successful journal paper
    Professor James Dodd, Dr Chloё Bloom
    14:55 - 15:15 Refreshment break
    Next steps

    15.15 – 15.35

    		 Routes into research - Step 2: Practical steps
    Interactions with Training Programme Director / Educational Supervisor, when to do it and clinical time
    Dr Charlotte Addy
    15:35 - 15:55 Participating in research as a consultant: PI as consultant, funding, how to engage with funders/industry work
    Professor James Chalmers
    15:55 - 16:05 Q&A
    16:05 - 16:15 Wrap up – what next? Dr Steven Walker
    16:15 Meeting close

     

    Outline Programme: 21 January 2026. Please note final timings and session headings may be subject to change.


    Speakers and contributors:

    • Dr Charlotte Addy, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis, University Hospital Llandough
    • Dr Anna Bibby, Associate Professor in Respiratory Medicine, University of Bristol & Respiratory Consultant, North Bristol Trust
    • Dr Chloё Bloom, NIHR Clinician Scientist, Imperial College London
    • Professor James Dodd, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University of Bristol
    • Dr Cara Flynn, Clinical Research Fellow, University of Leicester
    • Professor Sam Janes, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University College London
    • Dr Akhilesh Jha, MRC Clinician Scientist, University of Cambridge & Associate Principal Investigator, Heart and Lung Research Institute
    • Dr Rahul Mahida, Associate Professor Respiratory Medicine, University of Birmingham
    • Professor Nick Maskell, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Southmead Hospital and President, British Thoracic Society
    • Professor Najib Rahman, National Speciality Lead, NIHR Clinical Research Network
    • Professor Alice Turner, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University of Birmingham
    • Dr Steven Walker, Consultant Senior Lecturer, University of Bristol & Respiratory Consultant, North Bristol Trust

  • Spaces are limited to 40 people maximum. This is open to BTS members only. A small booking fee is required to secure your place, but this will be reimbursed with a travel grant to facilitate attendance. 

    Please note we will also be offering a second training day in 2026, specifically for nurses, physiotherapists and other members of the multidisciplinary respiratory team – details to be confirmed. 

    Applications close Thursday 19th February 2026. 

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