MND EnCouRage UK fuels passion among early career researchers

12 July 2023 News

More than 20 of the brightest researchers in the early stages of their careers gathered at the second annual EnCouRage event, organised by the MND Association.

The two-day event aims to attract, enthuse and encourage early career researchers (ECRs) to remain in the field. They had chance to network with world-leading MND researchers and spend time with people affected by MND to understand what their work really means to those living with the disease. Many of the ECRs who attended are funded through our research grants programme.

Guest speaker, television and science presenter Dallas Campbell, kicked off with ‘How to give brilliant talks’, helping ECRs understand how to present their science in the best way to the widest audience. The ECRs then put Dallas’s tips into practice by showcasing their projects from the stage during three minute ‘lightning talks’. 

EnCouRage UK 2023 room

MND Association Research Engagement Officer Mandy Spencer said:

Our hope as an Association is that by investing in supporting these incredible researchers we are investing in a cure for MND – one of the people in that room could find the key we all desperately want. 

By bringing them together, introducing them to established leaders and giving them new tools, advice and knowledge, we hope to increase collaboration, give them more understanding about what their work means to the MND community and encourage them to remain working in the field.

Mandy Spencer, MND Association Research Engagement Officer

There were also talks from people living with MND, a former carer and career experts, as well as suggestions for involving people with MND in drug discovery, and practical help with understanding research papers and the wider research landscape.

It's been really eye-opening for me and has reinforced why we have such a collective effort to find therapies for this disease.

Sarah Granger, MND Association-funded ECR

For more in-depth coverage of the event please read our blog. We look forward to MND EnCouRage UK 2024.