More than 55 researchers and supporters from across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex (KSS) gathered together in March for a three-day residential Grant Writing and Development Retreat.
Organised by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)’s Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) and supported by the NIHR South East Regional Research Delivery Network (SE RRDN), the retreat aimed to provide researchers with dedicated time and expert support to strengthen their NIHR grant applications.
Now in it's third year, and building on the success of previous retreats, This event created a focused and supportive environment where researchers could refine their proposals and improve their chances of securing funding.
Throughout the retreat, researchers had access to hands-on support from specialist advisors in key areas, including:
- Patient and Public Involvement: Resources and Inclusive Research Practices
- Budgeting projects
- Fellowship applications: analysing skills gaps
- Making life easy for panel reviewers
- Introduction to economic analysis for health and social care
- Mixed Methods Research and how to articulate this for a review/funding panel
- SoECAT - The Schedule of Events Cost Attribution Template and other support from the South East Regional Research Delivery Network (SE RRDN)
- NIHR Fellowships in a local authority setting – views from a practitioner researcher
- Communication and Dissemination
- Knowledge Mobilisation and Impact.
Public and Community Involvement and Engagement (PCIE) played a key role in the retreat with an ARC KSS Public Advisor joining on the second day to meet with individuals about their research to review their PCIE plans and plain English summaries, offering tailored feedback and guidance.
Initial feedback from attendees highlighted how valuable it was to have protected time away from day-to-day responsibilities to focus on their applications. Many researchers commented on the benefits of connecting with others, sharing experiences, and receiving practical advice from experts.
Here’s what some of the attendees had to say:
“The team has really boosted my confidence in progressing with and submitting my application. I feel like I have had the time and support to immerse myself in the project and work on the fine details. I feel inspired! Thank you very much.”
“The support, networking, and strategically being placed with other fellowship applicants was very useful. Everyone is very friendly and encouraging, which has helped to develop a plan and cement ideas.”
Reflecting on the success of the retreat, Julie MacInnes, ARC KSS Academy Lead shared:
“The ARC Academy were delighted to support this retreat for the third year. Attendees came from a range of organisations and professions across Kent, Surrey and Sussex and really made the most of the opportunity through focused writing time, networking and access to expert advice. It was great to see so many researchers passionate about their work and so supportive of others. We look forward to hearing about the successful applications to NIHR grants and fellowship programmes and everyone’s future research journeys.”
The success of this year’s retreat reflects the growing strength of research collaboration across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Future events will continue to provide researchers with the tools, support, and connections they need to drive impactful research forward.
👉 To find out more about future joint research events, visit:
🔗 arc-kss.nihr.ac.uk
🔗 local.nihr.ac.uk/lcrn/kent-surrey-and-sussex
