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Isaac Chau, a PhD student and research nurse at the Anne Rowling Clinic, attended the RCN International Nursing Research Conference to share his research and learn from others in the field. His focus on motor neuron disease (MND) made this event a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
We asked Isaac to share his experience with us.
Taking research from the Clinic to the conference
This was my first time attending the RCN International Nursing Research Conference, and I was overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the incredible work being undertaken by colleagues around the world.
The opening remarks by Dr Gordon Hill set the tone for the day. He reflected that, whether you are attending for the first time or have been to the conference many times before, this is a place where ideas can begin and collaborations can grow.
Inspired by the MND research community
The keynote address was delivered by Jill Douglas MBE, Matron and former CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Her presentation reminded me why I began my career as a clinical research nurse at the Anne Rowling Clinic: to contribute to the understanding and treatment of motor neuron disease (MND). It was an inspiring account of Doddie Weir’s legacy and of how the Foundation has accelerated MND research globally. It renewed my motivation to continue this important work.
The day was particularly meaningful to me as it was my first time delivering a platform presentation. As a part-time PhD candidate, my research aims to maximise research participation and improve care by understanding the factors that influence people with MND to take part in research.
Sharing research and sparking new collaboration
During the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) session, I presented findings from a mixed-methods study embedded within the MND-SMART trial. The study explored the attitudes and experiences of people with MND participating in a multi-arm, multi-stage platform trial. The presentation prompted five or six questions from the audience, and several attendees contacted me afterwards via LinkedIn to explore potential collaboration.
A springboard for future partnerships
As Dr Hill suggested, the conference can truly act as a springboard for future partnerships. It provided an invaluable opportunity to share the work being undertaken in Scotland and to highlight the collective progress being made for people living with MND, as well as their families, friends and colleagues around the world.”
Relevant Links
Visit the Royal College of Nursing International Conference website (external website)
Find out more about MND-SMART (external website)
Explore the different types of research we do
Careers at the Anne Rowling Clinic
Support research at the Anne Rowling Clinic
MND-SMART is led by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research at the University of Edinburgh and is a flagship project of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
The trial has been funded by the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, UK Dementia Research Institute, the MND Association, MND Scotland, the Alan Davidson Foundation, the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and Baillie Gifford.
The Anne Rowling Clinic is proud to be one of MND-SMART's 27 recruitment sites in the UK.
Image courtesy of Isaac Chau