On 18 June 2025, the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC) hosted a vibrant and energising Early Career Researcher (ECR) Networking and Development Day. With 20 enthusiastic attendees, including PhD students and Development Award Holders, the event was a resounding success — a true celebration of collaboration, learning, and professional growth. 

From the very first coffee-fuelled conversations to the final reflections, the day was filled with opportunities to connect, share experiences, and gain practical insights into the world of patient safety research. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and stimulating — a perfect environment for early career researchers to build confidence, expand their networks, and explore new ideas. 

Here are the highlights from the day:

 

Resilience in Research
Dr Louise Gorman’s session on managing vicarious trauma was a standout moment. She highlighted the emotional demands of patient safety research and shared practical strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and supporting colleagues — a timely reminder of the importance of wellbeing in academia. 

Communicating for Impact
Melissa Lima inspired attendees to think beyond traditional academic outputs. Her session explored how to amplify research through media, public engagement, and strategic dissemination — encouraging researchers to build their professional brand and connect with wider audiences. 

Demystifying Publishing
Dr Sam Merriel offered an insider’s perspective on academic publishing, from choosing the right journal to handling reviewer feedback. His practical tips and candid advice helped demystify the process and empower researchers to take the next step with confidence. 

Embedding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
In the afternoon, Dr Louise Gorman led a powerful session on inclusive research. They explored co-creation strategies, the importance of public involvement, and how to embed EDI principles throughout the research lifecycle — a vital conversation for shaping impactful, ethical research. 

Practical Skills for Research Success
The interactive workshops on project management (led by Dr Richard Keers) and navigating the ethics process (led by Professor Maria Panagioti) gave attendees hands-on tools to plan, manage, and deliver research effectively. These sessions were packed with actionable advice and real-world examples. 

Final Reflections 

The day closed with reflections from Professor Maria Panagioti, who encouraged attendees to take forward the lessons learned and continue building supportive, inclusive research communities. The event was not only a showcase of expertise but also a celebration of the passion and potential within the NIHR GM PSRC ECR community. 

A huge thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and organisers for making the day such a success. We look forward to seeing how these connections and insights shape the future of patient safety research. 

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