Programme of CATO Events

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a real opportunity in healthcare, not only to automate some of the problem-solving carried out by doctors and other healthcare professionals, but also to make quicker and better decisions and apply problem-solving techniques that humans alone could not. This CATO Masterclass, Chaired by Prof Jeremy Levy, was an excellent opportunity to hear about a wide variety of current AI research projects focussing on healthcare issues.

The aim of the session was to share with a wider clinical audience of research active and interested clinicians (at any stage of training and from any profession), a flavour of the range of AI work being done here at Imperial/RMH, often in non-clinical departments, to encourage future collaborations, and to allow the non-clinical PhD fellows to engage with a clinical audience so we can better use AI tools in healthcare settings. 

CATO Masterclasses are short bite-sized sessions focussing on specific topics. The annual programme includes 5-6 masterclasses divided into 2 strands; the Career Development strand and the Researcher Development strand which covers research skills/knowledge and current topics relevant to research.  Previous Masterclass topics have included:

• AI for Healthcare
• Applying for Intermediate Fellowships
• Broadening participation in clinical research (a South African perspective)
• Can clinical academics contribute to sustainable health care and the current environmental challenges?
• Communicating your science
• Exploring Value of Integrated Research Approaches in Health
• Health Economics
• NIHR Research Support Services (RSS): what is it, how can it help you; and novel approaches to clinical trials and studies
• Pitfalls using big data
• Quality of Life, PROMS and PREMS
• Research Training and Industry
• Using UK Biobank data

Masterclasses are organised as stand-alone sessions and also incorporated into other larger event programmes. 

Imperial CATO co-ordinates a series of online “Meet the Funders” sessions with a number of organisations funding medical/health research, during March and April. These ‘live’ briefing sessions are delivered every other year (as agreed with the ICR from whom CATO took over planning of these sessions) – with an ‘FAQ’ session delivered in the intervening year referencing the recordings from the live briefings of the previous year.

Past series have had presentations from funders including NIHR, MRC/UKRI, Wellcome Trust.

The free-to attend online sessions aimed at supporting Clinical Academic careers for Doctors and Non-medics/ NMAHPPs are open to all colleagues at Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre and Affiliate organisations- (Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals (Affiliate)).

Open to all Imperial Specialised Foundation Doctors, ACFs, post-doctoral researchers, and clinical academics in non-medical healthcare professions/’NMAHPP’ (Nurse, Midwife, AHP, Healthcare Scientist, Pharmacy staff, Psychologist), this symposium is a gateway to forging meaningful connections and exploring groundbreaking research.

This annual event includes research presentations selected from the best of the abstracts submitted, a keynote presentation from a world-leading clinical academic, a choice of attending 1 of 2 mini-masterclasses and plenty of networking opportunities with clinical academic colleagues. 

This CATO session is aimed at NHS consultants not currently in academic posts or fellowships.

This informative panel event aims to inspire ways to develop a research path/research career starting from an NHS consultant post, as opposed to a research fellowship. In this session you would hear from our panel of guest speakers, made up of internationally recognised senior colleagues who are now leaders in their fields achieving notable academic success having started out as 100% NHS consultants from varying routes

An essential course for researcher NMAHPPs to develop their personal skillset.

Exclusively open to NMAHPPs, this comprehensive day-long event, held in collaboration with Imperial College Graduate School, delves into three skills - networking, resilience, and critical thinking - that are pivotal for navigating the complex world of research.

As all participants share a clinical background, the course provides a supportive environment to exchange experiences and to give and gain support from your peers.

NMAHPPS who are taking part in or have recently completed a pre-doctoral research fellowship/ research skills training course are strongly encouraged to participate.

The session provides information on how Imperial can support your clinical academic aspirations, and information on transitioning from clinical work into the PhD and back into clinical practice/ training or tips on continuing an academic career.

This session is open to Doctors and *NMAHPPs who are current (or recently completed) PhD/MDRes fellows and planning the next steps of their clinical academic career.

This event is designed for all clinicians currently undertaking PhDs (Doctors and NMAHPPs – Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacists and Psychologists). It is sometimes difficult to transition from clinical practice (being swamped with patients and in busy clinics and wards); into the life of a PhD student, managing yourself and your time, working with highly skilled often younger scientists, and negotiating support with colleagues. Being confident in this new space can be hard, as can planning your future when you come close to finishing.

This workshop is aimed at discussing the issues that affect all clinicians moving into research as well as providing support, sharing tips and signposting solutions.

Delegates hear from current and recently completed clinicians who have undertaken PhDs, from supervisors and mentors, and even more importantly have the opportunity to meet them and other colleagues face to face to network, share solutions, concerns and successful approaches, and meet clinicians outside your own departments.

This is an annual panel workshop on advancing your academic career with an intermediate fellowship, and how to win one.

The aim of this session is to provide information about various schemes available, advice about making a high-quality application, common pitfalls and how Imperial College can provide support.

Delegates also have a chance to ask questions of the panel of knowledgeable speakers with a variety of experience in reviewing applications at fellowship selection panels and supporting applicants.

This session is aimed at NMAHPPs across the Imperial Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) who are just finishing or have recently finished their master’s degree.

The session explores how doing a master’s degree can have a maximum impact upon your clinical practice and will help you consider how you can use your master’s to further your personal, academic and clinical development.

This workshop is open to NMAHPPs with some prior experience of research and aims to explore and make sense of the diversity of experiences that you may encounter on a personal level or methodologically when navigating the clinical academic arena. In providing a safe and confidential space and opportunity for support, this workshop seeks to reassure and establish clarity in understanding your experiences and providing supportive tools to help future clinical academic careers.

• Are you finding clinical research to be different from your expectations?
• Do you sometimes feel like an imposter working as an NMAHPP in a research environment?
• Have you struggled with some aspects of research methodologies or processes?
• Would you like to meet others in a similar situation and work on solutions and coping techniques?

We understand that working in clinical research can be very different from working in the clinical environment. Facilitated by experienced NMAHPP clinical, the day-long workshop is structured around nine areas that are not often focused on in clinical academia with an opportunity to listen and share experiences, followed by strategies and signposting solutions and techniques that will help support a successful career as a clinical academic researcher.

This popular FREE symposium is aimed at NMAHPPs (Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacy Staff and Psychologists) and academics in North West London (NWL) thinking of taking a research postgraduate course, those wondering about pursuing a research career and those involved in healthcare research already.

You will have the opportunity to view posters, submitted by peers from across North West London, and to hear two research presentations selected from the best of the abstracts submitted. Delegates will also have the opportunity to attend 2 workshops on varying themes.

This Symposium is delivered by Imperial College Clinical Academic Training Office on behalf of the Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) partners.

This in-person CATO event is open to all clinicians who are currently undertaking PhDs (including doctors, physiotherapists, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, etc) within the Imperial AHSC and partners*. Priority is given to people in the years 2-4+ of their PhD studies, as the content will be more relevant to them.

Delegates can look forward to receiving insights from clinicians who have completed their PhDs in the last few years and are pursuing successful postdoctoral research careers, connect with other clinical PhD fellows, and learn strategies to overcome challenges and avoid common pitfalls. Topics covered include writing up, preparing for your viva, publishing papers and next career steps.

This event is designed for NMAHPPs (Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacy Staff, and Psychologists) who are thinking of applying for a PhD within the next 9-18 months.

Throughout this event, you'll gain insights into various funding options, their nuances, transitioning from pre-doc to PhD, and essential considerations for a successful PhD funding application.

You will hear from different PhD students about their journey to a PhD application and you will take part in round table discussions, in which you can ask any burning questions you may have.

This interactive session has been tailored for NMAHPPs (Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacy Staff, and Psychologists) who are considering applying for a pre-doctoral fellowship.

This session is suitable for those applying to any Pre-doctoral Fellowship Programme (e.g., NIHR PCAF, Imperial Health Charity Pre-doctoral fellowship, Charity-funded fellowships from Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and the Royal Marsden fellowships).

You will hear about different fellowships available, how they vary and what factors you need to consider to be successful. You will learn from the experiences of a successful fellowship applicant and take part in round table discussions.

For those who are working through the Imperial College AHSC Research Training Framework attending this symposium will contribute towards your understanding of the following area(s) of the Framework: - Module 1: d) Writing a research protocol.

This interactive, in-person training session is designed for clinical academics and clinical researchers from all clinical professions who are working towards, or currently holding, research fellowship roles at PhD level or beyond. The session focuses on developing generic interview skills and is intended to complement - rather than replace - discipline-specific preparation, which should be sought through research supervisors and local mock interviews.

Participants will gain practical insight into what to expect at interview and how to prepare effectively, including delivering impactful presentations, influencing an interview panel, thinking confidently under pressure, and implementing strategies to be fully prepared on the day. The session will also provide opportunities for questions and signposting to useful post-session resources.

This training is not suitable for applicants to standard medical Academic Clinical Fellow (ACF) or Clinical Lecturer (CL) posts.

This workshop provides information about kick-starting and developing a clinical academic career: what does it mean, how do you get started, what opportunities are there? You should attend if you are already in a clinical academic training post and thinking about next steps or in clinical training and considering a clinical academic career or undertaking a period of research. The session is designed to give vital information about the wide range of research opportunities available, especially at Imperial, but also nationally, before and into PhDs, and beyond, and best advice about how to succeed. 

Delegates have ample opportunities to talk with speakers and have a wide-ranging discussion, and importantly also get the chance to meet and network with other junior doctors from across the Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC), considering clinical academic careers.

You are strongly encouraged to attend this event if you are considering an academic career, thinking about undertaking a PhD/MD, or wanting to develop your clinical academic career.

If you are working through the Imperial College AHSC Research Training Framework attending this event will contribute towards your understanding of the following area of the Framework: Module 2:  e) Understanding research infrastructure.

This exclusive, 3-day course has been designed by NMAHPPs across the 6 Imperial College AHSC member and affiliate organisations to provide the best possible introduction to a clinical academic career.

Applicants are welcome, from all NMAHPP professions across the AHSC, who can demonstrate a keen interest in clinical research and the potential to develop a clinical academic career in the medium to longer-term. Throughout the course there is a focus on building confidence in research skills, providing information on how to further your participation in research and advice on developing a clinical academic career.

Speakers from across the AHSC introduce topics including identifying a research question, appraising the literature, understanding research methods, and incorporating patient and public involvement in research. Delegates also have the opportunity to work in a small group and discuss learning and development with a coach who is a more experienced researcher.

For those who are working through the Imperial College AHSC Research Training Framework attending this course will contribute towards your understanding of the following areas of the Framework: - Module 1a) Developing a research idea; Module 1b) Researching the Literature; Module 1c) Involving patients in developing research ideas; Module 1f) Presenting research; Module 1g) Statistical techniques, qualitative techniques, data analysis; Module 2a) Understanding study design; Module 2b)  Application for appropriate research project approvals; Module 2e) Understanding research infrastructure; Module 2g) Patient and public involvement/engagement.

This one-hour session is open to colleagues across all Imperial College AHSC organisations and affiliates, and is tailored for NMAHPPs (Nurses, Midwives, AHPs, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacy Staff, and Psychologists) who are interested in exploring or developing a research career.

You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the research pathways available and learn about the courses, fellowships, and other opportunities that can help you move forward. Whether you're just getting started or already on the path, this session is a great way to connect and grow.

For those who are working through the Imperial College AHSC Research Training Framework attending this session will contribute towards your understanding of the following area(s) of the Framework: - Module 2: e) Understanding research infrastructure.

CATO offers two free, back-2back, in-person sessions, delivered by Thinkwrite Consultancy, to support you with grant proposals and getting your writing published. Please see the details of the two separate sessions below.

Places in these training sessions are limited and only open to clinicians working within Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre members and Affiliates. 

Writing targeted grant proposals... reducing time while increasing success

This training session is tailored for clinical academics and researchers in the Imperial College AHSC seeking Doctoral fellowship grants or higher. It focuses on honing the skill of securing funding by tailoring proposals to meet the specific requirements of diverse funding bodies, leading to time saving and allowing researchers to focus on their work or pursue additional funding opportunities.

You should express an interest if you:

• are about to apply for your first fellowship or grant
• find grant-writing an unfocussed and/or time-consuming task
• would like to have a more strategic approach to grant winning and funding your research

This training is not suitable for straightforward applications for medical ACF or CL posts.

Writing Quality papers... a strategic approach to getting published in your target journal

This session is designed to empower clinical academics by offering a structured process to enhance writing efficiency and confidence, thereby improving the likelihood of publication in the desired journal. Participants will learn strategies for optimizing collaboration with co-authors and streamlining the processes of ideation, writing, and editing research papers.

You should express an interest if you are:

• about to write your first paper (e.g., systemic review, service evaluation, research study findings); i.e., you should have a paper/piece of work in mind or should be part way through writing something
• a postdoctoral researcher trying to turn your thesis into papers

This session is tailored for multiprofessional clinical PhD/MD(Res) fellows. In order to share expert advice on pursuing research post-PhD, allow delegates to connect with fellow clinical PhD fellows, share insights on navigating the transition between clinical work and PhD studies, and learn strategies for success and avoiding common pitfalls.

The session is free to attend and is open to clinicians working within Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre members and Affiliates which includes Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the Institute of Cancer Research and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals (Affiliate).