Our blogs cover a whole range of topics, to help early career dementia researchers (ECRs). Our contributors share information about their research, from social care to basic science, share advice from their own experiences, careers tips, what they learned from recent training events and conferences and much more. We have a small team of ECR staff bloggers who write each month, on a whole range of topics and every year we add more people who discuss their experiences of studying at particular places or on different topics. In addition to our staff bloggers, we welcome one-off contributions, and curate and link to content from other great sources, including our charity partners, the LSE Impact Blog, Nature Careers and where ever great support can be found.
To help find what you're looking for, you can browse through the articles, or use the filters on the right to find blogs by a particular person, or on a particular topic.
We are always on the lookout for new contributors, so if you would like to write for us, just head to the forum to drop us a line, or email dementiaresearcher@nihr.ac.uk
All of our blogs (since April 2020) come with narrations from the writer. You can listen while you read along on our website, or enjoy our blogs on the move via your podcast app. You can subscribe to our narrated blogs in your podcasts app, look for Dementia Researcher Blogs, or visit one of these platforms, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify and Goodpods.
Recent posts
Blog – News from the Trisomy 21 Research Society Conference
Insights from the T21RS conference on Alzheimer’s in Down syndrome from Dr Clíona Farrell. Latest research & inclusivity highlights. #Alzheimers #DownSyndrome
Blog – Ethical review process guided by people with dementia
Explore the vital role of dementia patients in navigating the ethical review process. Learn how effective PPIE leads to successful NHS ethics applications.
Blog – Academic precarity: Moving the discussion forward
Dr Lis Grey’s blog on academic precarity explore challenges and solutions for better research job security. Let’s create a brighter future for researchers.
Blog – Identity revisited: Becoming a parent
Emily Spencer’s journey into motherhood shows it’s not one-size-fits-all. Embrace your identity and grow into the role of parenthood in your own unique way
Blog – The Cost of Research
In this blog Dr Yvonne Couch discusses research funding. Discover the rising challenges in research funding and why it’s harder now than ever
Blog – Ultimate guide to making the most of the AAIC
Discover Dr Helena Gellersen’s comprehensive guide and insights on maximising your conference attendance and AAIC experiences. Read the blog now!
Blog – Perfectionism: The Why Matters
Discover how Rebecca Williams overcame the pressures of academic perfectionism and found joy in her work. Embrace your journey and redefine success!
Blog – Working with Patients from a Different Generation
Discover how Research Assistant, Amelia Robson bridges generational gaps in dementia research with warmth, curiosity, and conversation starters.
Blog – What actually happens at funding committees?
Dr Clarissa Giebel shares insights from her NIHR funding committee experience, highlighting the grant review process and the importance of strong applications.
Blog – The Quest to Understand Motor Neuron Disease
Insights into Motor Neuron Disease through an engaging interview by Athena Bratopoulou with Dr Zsófia László, shedding light on groundbreaking research and hope
Blog – The grant review process; perspective of an ECR
Dr Hannah Smith highlights her unique role as the first Early Career Researcher on MND Scotland’s Scientific Advisory Panel, showcasing its significant benefits
Blog – Diet and Motor Neuron Disease, Is There Anything Here?
Explore the link between diet and Motor Neuron Disease (MND) with Dr Sam Moxon. Discover how different dietary choices could impact MND risk and management.
Blog – Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries
Dr Connor Richardson shares his journey through academic promotions, dealing with an unsuccessful attempt, and the lessons learned. A must-read for academics!
Blog – The Transformative Potential of AI on Basic Science
Discover how AI can transform research at the basic science level. Enhance collaboration, improve data analysis, and accelerate discoveries. By Ajantha Abey.
Blog – Waste in Academic Research
Dr Yvonne Couch provides an insightful take on inefficiencies in academic research, highlighting wasted resources and financial constraints. What can be done?
Blog – Benefits of Completing a Placement Year
Discover the benefits of a placement year in a lab with Yasmin Bonsu, Undergrad student at The University of Manchester. Gain experience, skills, and clarity!
Blog – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Dr Jodi Watt reflects on the challenging decision of whether to stay in academia or explore new career paths. Read their insightful thoughts and reflections.
Blog – Journal Clubs: How can I set one up?
Looking to start a journal club? Learn how Dr Clarissa Giebel runs a successful monthly dementia research journal club, engaging researchers and public advisors
Blog – So, you think you could be a rater…Maybe not!
Dr Emma Law, a clinical trials expert with over 35 years of experience, shares insights into the complexities and realities faced by clinical trial raters.
Blog – Fate, Research and Retirement
Retired nurse Bernie found purpose in dementia research, blending clinical skills with new insights. Discover how fate made retirement fulfilling and impactful.
Blog – Tackling the PhD thesis through planning
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her top tips and personal experiences to make PhD thesis writing less daunting and more enjoyable. Transform your journey today!
Blog – Life after Maternity Leave: Planning a Return to Work
Emily Spencer shares insights on returning to work after maternity, from tackling London’s rental market to planning childcare, all while pursuing a PhD
Blog – Supervising PhD Students
Dr Yvonne Couch shares insights on effectively supervising PhD students, balancing between micromanagement and minimal intervention.
Blog – What type of role models do we need in academia?
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali’s provides her insights on role models in academia, crucial for breaking barriers and improving diversity and inclusion in STEM and beyond.
Blog – Enhancing Dementia Drug Discovery with AI
Discover how Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising dementia drug discovery in Dr Sam Moxon’s latest blog. The future is happening now!
Blog – Dementia Researcher, Bringing Communities Together
Adam Smith shares news about the launch of the Dementia Researcher Communities App, and how Community Leaders can use its free groups functionality
Blog – Building a Successful Grant Application
Join Anika Wuestefeld for key insights on academic grant writing for early-career dementia researchers. Share tips, tricks, and network with peers!
Blog – Should I consider my environmental impact in academia?
Explore the intersection of academia and environmental responsibility with Dr Jodi Watt as they reflect on sustainable practices in science.
Blog – A Look Inside AAIC Neuroscience Next
Sára Erzsebet Zsadányi shares news from last months AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference, a unique event with a fresh approach to engaging attendees.
Blog – The illusion of choice when starting a family
Explore Emily Spencer’s insights on balancing motherhood and academia, and the tough decisions involved – more family or postdoc planning next?