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.
Blog – What does it mean to be Perfect
Dr Lindsey Sinclair questions whether aiming for perfection in research harms progress and wellbeing, suggesting excellence might be a healthier goal.
Blog – A Career from Nursing to Research
Lesley Cousland shares her journey from nursing to research, reflecting on dementia care, evidence-based practice, and inclusive opportunities for care homes.
Blog – The Myth of the Neutral Scientist
Dr Jodi Watt challenges the idea of the ‘neutral scientist’, exploring how values, identity, and lived experience shape dementia research.
Blog – Letting Go of Mum Guilt
Emily Spencer reflects on mum guilt and explains why adding an extra childcare day will help her work and support her energetic toddler’s wellbeing.
Blog – How I Got into Clinical Research: My Career Journey
Julie Scott, Research Nurse at the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, shares her journey from frontline care to clinical research in Aberdeen.
Blog – Patients, Practice and the Research Mindset
Old Age Psychiatrist Dr Peter Connelly reflects on a lifetime of learning, showing how patient care and clinical research can shape and strengthen each other.
Blog – MCI Core Outcomes Study: Patient & Public Involvement
Victoria Gabb shares how involving people with lived experience shaped the MCI Core Outcomes Study and improved dementia research design and communication.
Blog – How We Use Biomarkers in Dementia Trials
Biomarkers are changing dementia research. Marian Montanha shares how they improve diagnosis, support trials, and shape the future of Alzheimer’s care.
Blog – Why does inclusion matter at scientific conferences?
Why inclusion matters at conferences. Dr Lindsey Sinclair reflects on what makes events accessible and how far we’ve come – and still need to go.
Blog – The Impact of Dementia on Women
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali on why dementia affects women more severely – not just in diagnosis, but also in care, risk factors, and research careers.
Blog – Climate Change and the Brain
Dr Clíona Farrell shares insights from Hot Brain 3 on how climate change affects brain health, neurological conditions, and care systems worldwide.
Blog – Go with the Flo: Periods at Work
Rebecca Williams explores how periods impact work, calling for more research and kindness in the face of hormonal and cognitive shifts.
Blog – Presenting Your Data Like a Pro
Present your data like a pro. Dr Becky Carlyle shares practical tips to build trust and clarity in your research by showing what your stats really say.
Blog – AAIC 2025, Big, Busy and Worth It
Adam Smith shares reflections and tips for navigating AAIC 2025 in Toronto – a conference that’s big, full on, and genuinely worth the effort.
Blog – Why doctors should rethink dementia as brain health
Professor Brian Lawlor urges doctors to rethink dementia care, focusing on brain health to improve quality of life and break free from therapeutic hopelessness.
Blog – Why Care Home Communities Deserve a Place in Research
Why care homes should be included in research. Lesley Cousland argues for meaningful participation from residents, staff, and families in care settings.
Blog – Coaching and Self-Reflection
Dr Yvonne Couch explores how coaching helped her rethink identity, confidence and self-worth, and why self-reflection is essential in academic life.
Blog – Who Gets Left Out of Dementia Prevention?
Who gets left out of dementia prevention efforts? Dr Jodi Watt highlights how social inequity shapes risk and why we must rethink prevention for everyone.
Blog – The Exhausting Reality of Data Collection
Emily Spencer shares the day-to-day challenges of research data collection in dementia studies, from rushed paperwork to long hours and mental overload.
Blog – Closing the Gap Between Research and Implementation
Adam Smith explores why promising research so often fails to reach practice and shares five practical ways to help ensure your findings are adopted and used.
Blog – Courage in Academic Life
Dr Lindsey Sinclair explores how courage plays a quiet but vital role in academic life, from facing failure to embracing opportunity. Listen or Read.
Blog – Does the research funding process need reforming?
Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali questions the fairness of funding processes and explores alternatives that could better support innovation and equity in research.
Blog – Why Some people Say No to Research And How We Can Respond
Some people say no to taking part in research. Dr Emma Law explores why, and shares ways we can respond with respect and understanding.
Blog – How to be okay facing the unknown
Facing the unknown can feel overwhelming. In this guest blog, Dr Clíona Farrell shares reflections on uncertainty, career breaks, and embracing not knowing.
Blog – When Clinical Trials Fail
Dr Peter Connelly explores what happens when clinical trials fail, from staff impacts to participant care, and why lessons learned still have value.
Blog – Self-Worth versus Reviewer Two
Rebecca Williams reflects on rejection, resilience, and why your self-worth isn’t defined by reviewer two. Academic critique hurts—but it doesn’t define you.
Blog – Dementia Research in Rural Areas
Bernie McInally shares how community, creativity and trust helped deliver dementia research in the Scottish Borders – despite rural challenges.
Blog – Staying Ahead of the PhD Panic Curve
Emily Spencer shares how she's managing ethics delays, childcare, and deadlines in her PhD and staying ahead of the PhD panic curve.
Blog – Accelerated brain ageing and dementia
Can dementia be seen as accelerated brain ageing? Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali explores the science, challenges and promise of early prediction and diagnosis.
Blog – Why Saying ‘Demented’ Isn’t Just Wrong, It’s Harmful
Saying ‘demented’ isn’t just outdated – it’s stigmatising. Dr Jodi Watt explains why language matters and how we can do better.
Blog – What Is DORA in Research and Why It Matters More Than You Think
Dr Yvonne Couch unpacks what DORA is, why it matters in academia, and how we’re all still struggling to put its principles into practice.
Blog – It Could Happen Here: Defending Research from Politics
Dr Becky Carlyle explores how researchers can defend science from political threats and reconnect with communities. A timely, passionate guest blog.
Blog – Reflections on Thesis Writing
PhD student Ajantha Abey shares candid reflections on thesis writing, offering invaluable insights and practical advice for navigating the final PhD stretch.
Blog – What makes a good clinical research team
Dr Emma Law explores the hallmarks of a strong clinical research team—clear roles, open communication, shared responsibility, and a sense of humour.
Blog – First time through the publication process
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her experience of getting a first data paper published – the unknowns, the iterations, and the reality behind each stage.
Blog – The Role of Memory Clinics in Clinical Research
Guest blog by Dr Peter Connelly explores how memory clinics play a vital and often underused role in linking routine assessment to dementia clinical trials.
Blog – Building a Personal Brand
Personal branding isn't about self-promotion. Adam Smith shares how clarity and consistency can help researchers get noticed for the right reasons.
Blog – AI and BlueSky: Embracing the Everyday Tech of Academia
New blog by Rebecca Williams on using AI, apps, and social platforms to boost your research life — from Zotero to BlueSky, she’s got tips to try today!
Blog – Retreat, Regroup, Rewrite
Emily Spencer shares how a writing retreat helped her find rest, focus, and confidence during a challenging stage of her PhD journey.
Blog – How to Network and Advice for Making the First Move
In this blog Adam Smith provides practical, honest advice for building you network and research connections. Start small, stay human, & send that first message
Blog – A Day in the Life of a Clinical Trial Coordinator
Jacqui Kerr shares what it's really like to be at the heart of clinical research—juggling patients, protocols and people with purpose.
Blog – Reflecting on challenging situations when conducting research
A must-read from Jennifer Bray & Dr Teresa Atkinson on when research doesn’t go to plan—adaptability, humour, and lessons learned from a ‘jinxed’ project.
Blog – The use of Generative AI in academia & higher education: friend or foe?
Can AI help or hinder learning? Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali explores generative AI in academia—how it’s reshaping teaching, research, and academic integrity.
Blog – How to Write a Powerful Conference Abstract
Dr Jodi Watt shares smart, practical tips to help your abstract stand out and boost your chances of getting on the conference programme.
Blog – Writing Your First Fellowship
Dr Yvonne Couch shares wisdom (and warnings) on writing your first fellowship application — from timing and ideas to funding and salary tips.
Blog – LGBTQ+ and higher dementia risk
Bernie McInally explores why LGBTQ+ individuals face higher dementia risks—and what care homes and research need to do better.
Blog – What happens in a grant review panel
Ajantha Abey shares insider insights into the critical factors that make grant applications succeed or fail—essential reading for early-career researchers.
Blog – Choose your Mentors
Dr Becky Carlyle shares insights on choosing the right mentors at critical moments in your career—building leadership and community in academia.
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