Welcome to the core of our conference, where a diverse array of sessions awaits to cater to your career progression needs. Whether you're just beginning your journey in research or you're an experienced professional seeking new insights and guidance, we have something for you.
You have the opportunity to choose sessions that align with your career progression. While sessions are suggested for early-career or mid-career researchers, this is merely a guide; all delegates are welcome to choose any session that interests them. Here’s a glimpse of what we have in store:
Session Information
- Clinical Academic Route and Research - Question time panel on clinical academic careers and research
- Crafting Your Professional Narrative – Increasing Your Visibility
- Grant Writing: Making Your Ideas Wonderful and Fundable
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
- Preparing a Doctoral Fellowship Application
- Starting and Growing Your Research Career
- Writing a Dissemination Plan
- Writing for Publication: facilitated by the Radiography Journal
Panel: Dr Ruth Reeve (Chair), Dr Theo Akudjedu, Angela Baker, Prof Karen Knapp, Dr Jackie Matthew
Suitable for - All
This Q&A panel was a highlight of our first conference, and we’re delighted to bring it back for a second time. Join us as we dive into the clinical academic career route for radiographers — exploring how to balance clinical practice with academic research and unlock the opportunities that lie ahead.
Our expert panel will share insights and experiences on:
- overcoming the challenges of combining clinical, academic, and research roles
- navigating the clinical academic pathway
- discovering diverse and emerging career routes for clinical academics
- building confidence through research skills development
- working effectively across professions and teams
- practical tips for developing and advancing your research career
Come ready with your questions and take away inspiration, advice, and ideas to shape your own journey.
Speaker: Dr Inês Perpétuo
Suitable for - All
You know who you are, your interests and research ambition, but how do you communicate them to others?
This session aims to strengthen your ability to promote yourself and your research ambitions to colleagues, collaborators, potential supervisors, and funders.
This workshop will have some interactive aspects as we will work on short pitches with the aim of getting people to the stage of wanting to know more about you.
Speaker: Dr Theo Akudjedu
Suitable for - Mid-career researchers
The session will aim to cover key elements that both grant reviewers and funding panels/committees consider crucial in a grant application.
It will provide specific tips and guidance for turning a research idea into a wonderful and fundable grant application.
Speaker: Gareth O'Brien
Suitable for - All
This session will provide an introduction to PPIE in health research, highlighting its vital role in ensuring research is relevant, impactful, and inclusive. We’ll explore ways to embed PPIE activities throughout grant development and research delivery, from early planning to dissemination.
Attendees will gain practical insights into best practices, including effective techniques for engaging patients and the public. The session will emphasise how thoughtful and meaningful involvement enhances research quality.
Speakers: Professor Heidi Probst
Suitable for - Early-career researchers
In this session the focus will be on how to prepare for a doctoral training bursary or doctoral fellowship award.
Securing funding for doctoral training can be a game-changer. Whether it’s providing buyout of clinical or academic responsibilities to fully immerse in your doctorate, or covering costs for PPIE and other project expenses, the support can truly propel your research forward. However, the competition for bursaries and fellowships is fierce. To stand out, crafting a compelling and robust application is essential. This is your chance to shine and make a significant impact with your research journey!
Key topics within the session will include:
- Insight into what panel members and reviewers are looking for in a doctoral fellowship application
- How to choose the most appropriate supervisors for your proposed study
- How to choose a mentor for career planning during and beyond the doctoral fellowship
- The importance of PPIE in the fellowship application
Speaker: Dr Gemma Clunie
Suitable for - Early-career Researchers
• Curious about getting into research but not sure where to begin?
• Have ideas to improve patient care or enhance how you work?
• Got a research idea and wondering how to take the next step?
This session is for those who are interested in exploring 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.
Speakers: Professor Heidi Probst
Suitable for - All
Join us for an exciting session where we'll dive into the world of research dissemination! We'll uncover the vital role a dissemination plan plays in amplifying your research impact and explore an array of dynamic frameworks to guide you in crafting a powerful dissemination strategy. Whether you're looking to reach a broader audience or maximise your research's influence, this session is designed to equip you with the tools and insights you need for success.
Key topics within the session will include:
- Theoretically informed dissemination frameworks,
- Defining the relevant stakeholders and audiences for the research,
- Different modalities for dissemination from traditional peer-reviewed journal articles, or conference presentations, to less traditional approaches.
Speakers: To be confirmed
Suitable for - All
Each session is designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge to advance your career. You'll choose your sessions upon arrival, so think about what will most benefit you and your professional goals. We look forward to seeing you take full advantage of these opportunities!
Registration closes on 23 January 2026. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Useful links
Contact us
The CATO Team and Radiographers Incubator work on a Hybrid model, combining days in the office with days working from home – the best way to reach us is by email.
cato@imperial.ac.uk
radresearch@imperial.ac.uk
+44 (0)20 3313 7397
