May 2024 Newsletter
Date: 30 May 2024
Please note: The Research and Development Forum will be following the approach of our public sector stakeholders, and due to the pre-election period, content may not be posted as frequently as normal.
Welcome to the Forum May 2024 Newsletter
WOW! You know that feeling when you’re completely exhausted both physically and mentally but have such a buzz? That’s how I am today after spending the past 2 days at the RDF24 Conference and with so many of my ‘tribe’! So many highlights but for me the thread that was running in the background was TRUST! Trust in each other, in the system and ourselves too.
As we move through Spring we see new shoots emerging, that fresh vibrant green of new growth, new ideas, new beginnings, but also perhaps a fresh pair of eyes on the ‘norms’. There’s a constant change in the R&D environment, and we can all recognise that it’s the one constant, but some of the changes that are developing will require different thoughts and perhaps alternative approaches to those we’ve used previously? In her closing Keynote speech at RDF24, Helen Bevan introduced the concept of being ‘Positive Delinquents’ as we approach change. It resonates with me – probably because I’m a self-confessed constructive disruptor so have delinquent tendencies through my core! Have you thought how you might approach these changes and challenges as a ‘Positive Delinquent’?
Carolyn Maloney
R&D Forum Trustee & Conference Programme Development Chair
A look back at RDF24, and a look ahead to RDF25
RDF24, our 2024 Annual Conference, took place at Celtic Manor from the 12-14 May this year. The event brought together more than 870 attendees from across health and care research management and featured more than 60 speakers, 25 exhibitors, 100 posters and provided a unique opportunity for learning, developing and networking.
Whether you joined us as a delegate, or if you were speaking, exhibiting or sponsoring, the Research and Development Forum would like to thank everyone for making RDF24 a fantastic event. It was great to see so many of the community come together in Wales, with more than 750 people in attendance at the Conference Dinner.
At the Conference Dinner, we also announced the location and dates for RDF25. For those who couldn’t join us, we are delighted to share that RDF25 will take place in Manchester from the 18-20 May 2025.
Register for updates on our Conference website below. We hope to see you there.
Working Group of the Month – Conference Programme Development Working Group
The Conference Programme Development Working Group develops the content of the programme for the RDF Annual Conference. This Conference is the flagship event of the year for research management, support and leadership in health and care, is UK wide, and is growing year on year.
If you are interested in joining this group for RDF25 please email: info@rdforum.org.uk
Upcoming Courses
The R&D Forum courses have been designed to support individual development in health research management, support, and leadership.
Bookings are open for our upcoming courses:
- June 24th: Local Capacity and Capability for Research
- July 2nd: Regulatory Inspection Ready
- July 17th: Getting the most out of IRAS
- August 6th: Essentials of Research Sponsorship
Full details of all our courses and events, and how to book your place, can be found on our website.
Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice
The UK Research and Innovation (R&I) sector have co-developed a voluntary environmental sustainability concordat. The concordat represents a shared ambition for the UK to continue delivering cutting-edge research, but in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
UK Clinical Research Update
This is a monthly cross-sector update published by The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery, which provides the latest, high-level progress metrics and updates from partners who are helping to progress the vision.
Resources
Resources from The Research and Development Forum are there to support health and care research in the UK. Discover the latest resources on our website below.
Contacting The Research and Development Forum
As a reminder, should you need to contact the Forum the best way is via email which is info@rdforum.org.uk
The latest job vacancies displayed on our website.
The professional network for research management, support & leadership in health & care