Last month, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) Academy held its fifth annual Research Week, offering a dynamic programme of learning and development opportunities for applied health and social care researchers across the region.
Designed primarily for early career researchers, PhD students, and independent researchers, the week featured a series of online events, talks, and presentations that brought together professionals from academia and health and social care sectors.
This year’s theme, Building and Mobilising Evidence for Practice, was explored through a mix of virtual sessions and a full-day, in-person symposium hosted by the University of Sussex.
The programme included a celebration of the outstanding examples of research capacity impact, as part of a poster competition, and a range of presenters from ARC KSS themes.
Highlights from the programme included:
- Celebration of Research Capacity Impact through a poster competition showcasing outstanding work.
- Dr Stacey Rand, ARC KSS Social Care Capacity Building Lead, alongside Research Fellows Sophie Jones, Lilly Trapp, Alison Charles, and Madalina Toma, shared insights into embedding research in social care settings and the fellows’ development journeys.
- Nick Smith, ARC KSS Research Fellow, presented on enhancing person-centred care planning in older adult care homes.
- Dr Catarina Sacadura, Devyn Glass, and Ali Schmidt introduced the Catalyst model for engaging young people through the Starting Well theme.
- Professor Lindsey Forbes, ARC KSS Public Health Lead, discussed public health research within local government.
- Professor Clara Straus, ARC KSS Co-Lead, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Sussex and Deputy Director of Research at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) delivered a keynote address, reflecting on her research journey.
- Dr Kate Gee, ARC KSS Public Health Research Fellow and Molly Lambourn, Project Officer at CHSS, led a hands-on workshop on using creative methods to enrich research design and engagement.
- Sheniz White and Sarah Westerbeek, ARC KSS Knowledge Mobilisation Fellows, showcased their work translating research into practice through strategic partnerships.
- Claire Pegg, NIHR RRDN SE Workforce and People Senior Manager, facilitated a session on strengthening professional practice.
- Ana Moreno and Charlotte Edwards from the ARC KSS Communications Team led a session focused on effective strategies for dissemination.
Feedback on the week has included:
“The overall wealth of interesting and varied work and projects going on - it was informative, engaging and you could tell those attending enjoyed the upbeat approach to the day. A lot of work went into the day and you could see this in how the event was hosted and delivered.”
[on the ViPER session] “Such an innovative and interesting way of presenting research. All presenters were great.”
Dr Julie MacInnes, Research Capacity Co-Lead at ARC KSS, said:
“Once again, ARC KSS Research Week has been a wonderful opportunity to engage with our researcher networks across Kent, Surrey and Sussex, bringing together researchers, communities and public members to share insights and support learning and development.
"As we looked back on the impact of the ARC Academy over the last 6 years, I was delighted to hear more about the excellent and innovative research taking place in our region which is truly making a difference to the health and wellbeing of people in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, as well as supporting the development of researchers.
"I'd like to thank everyone that helped make this event such a success, including the University of Sussex, who kindly hosted the in-person event and all the presenters and attendees. We really hope that you all enjoyed the week and, if you have not already done so, please fill in our feedback form. Your comments will help us to develop new ideas and plan next year's event."
ARC KSS Research Week 2025 - Survey