Research is often a collaborative activity, and it can useful to network and share learning, experiences and research opportunities with other members, colleagues and healthcare professionals.
Networks
The BDA has a Dietetic Research Network Forum to support research collaboration and communication between members. If you are already a member of the forum you can access it here. If you are interested in joining the forum, please email [email protected].
Other beneficial research groups and networking opportunities exist across the UK, including:
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - Diet and Activity Research Translation (DART) Collaboration
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - Research Design Service
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) - Clinical Research Network
- Contact, Help, Advice and Information Network (CHAIN)
- The Community for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR)
Mentors
For some research funding applications, such as NIHR, you are required to find a mentor who will be named in your application as part of your ongoing support team. For other applications, and in other circumstances, you may simply wish to access a mentor to support you through the process, or to gain advice and guidance as you undertake the research process.
The BDA currently has the support of four research mentors who have a wealth of research experience, who have agreed to act as mentors to BDA members to help guide you through the next stage of your research career. Find out more about BDA research mentors by clicking their profiles below:
These mentors can offer you an individual programme of support, which would be agreed at an initial session to discuss expectations and ground rules. Support could include:
- Face to face discussions
- Virtual discussions
- Emails
- Telecommuncations
The period of support can vary, although this is often agreed for an initial 18-months, at which point both parties would evaluate the success of the relationship.
Research Champions
The CAHPR and the NIHR have a network of research champions, based in regional clinical research networks, across the UK. These individuals promote the active involvement of AHPs in clinical research activities, provide support and connections for AHPs within the local area, and ensure AHP research is visible and impactful.
Within the research champion network, there are currently four dietitians including:
| Name | Location |
| Dr Laurie Cave | North East and Yorkshire |
| Maria Barrett | North West |
| Veronica Lynch | Northern Ireland |
| Dr Julie Abayomi | North West |
You can connect with your local Research Champion and find out more about the work they are doing on the CAHPR Research Champions webpage or via your local CAHPR hub.
Useful Links
