Respiratory Clinical Research Training Day highlights support for specialty trainees

On 14 May, we held our inaugural Respiratory Clinical Research Training Day in Birmingham for the next generation of respiratory researchers. The day featured a number of distinguished faculty who explored routes into research, deciding on a research area, and how to develop applications for a PhD.
 
We welcomed 40 respiratory specialty trainees who spent the day networking with like-minded professionals and gaining valuable advice from established respiratory researchers.

Trainees were chosen on the basis that they had not previously experienced a substantial period of research. The event aimed to introduce the benefits of incorporating research alongside their clinical careers. They participated in several workshops with faculty members, providing them with practical tips on generating research ideas, accessing funding, improving CVs and advice on when and how to take time out of training to perform research.

Senior researchers also showcased the breadth of research opportunities available, as well as examples of clinical research careers from those who undertake research alongside NHS work to those who perform research as their primary role.

Participants also had an opportunity to hear about INSPIRE (the Integrated Respiratory Research Collaborative). This network seeks to engage early career respiratory healthcare workers in frontline clinical research using a UK-wide collaborative approach and aims to have a high impact on patients with respiratory disease. 

Several trainee-led studies have been completed or are currently underway and cover topics including thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism, management of pneumothorax and exacerbations of pulmonary fibrosis. INSPIRE invites applications for research ideas on a rolling basis, and more information is available on the INSPIRE website.  

In addition, research-focused webinars with updates on topics across the respiratory curriculum have recently begun in partnership with Respiratory Futures and are also accessible on the website. INSPIRE are actively seeking enthusiastic trainees to join the steering committee, and applications from those with and without previous research experience are welcome by emailing info@inspirerespiratory.co.uk. 

Thank you to all who attended and helped to make the Training day a resounding success.