Diabetes UK is committed to supporting early career and fellowship researchers on their journey to becoming independent researchers. We recognise that researchers require more than financial support to develop a successful career in diabetes research, and the opportunities we provide for career development are outlined below.
Academy of Medical Sciences mentoring programme
Diabetes UK is delighted to have joined the Academy of Medical Sciences’ Mentoring programme that provides post-doctoral researchers the opportunity for career development advice and support by pairing them with a mentor from the pool of Academy Fellows, NIHR Senior Investigators and Senior Academics.
The Academy of Medical Sciences Mentoring programme pairs early career researchers with an Academy Fellow as a mentee. This prestigious programme promotes an enabling, non-directive approach to help mentees make critical career decisions. Mentors provide a framework for making career choices and act as a signpost to information and resources, while gaining insights into the needs of early career researchers.
At this present time, the programme is available to our RD Lawrence and Harry Keen Intermediate Clinical fellows. The Academy monitors the mentoring through surveys and periodic evaluations. Diabetes UK fellows are highly encouraged to join the programme, and will be asked to report back on their mentorship in their annual progress reports.
If you are interested in getting involved in the mentoring programme, please visit the Academy’s website, or contact mentoring@acmedsci.ac.uk.
Career development events
Diabetes UK-funded early career and fellows can attend the various career development events hosted by the Academy of Medical Sciences across the UK. These take place throughout the year and provide opportunity for pre- and post-doctoral researchers to network with other researchers. The events primarily focus on the UK research landscape and challenges that may arise for early career researchers. Find out further information on upcoming career development events.
Mid-fellowship reviews
All Diabetes UK-funded fellows are invited to attend a mid-fellowship review as part of their award conditions. The purpose of this informal review is to provide encouragement, advice and an opportunity to talk openly about research, or non-research related opportunities, challenges and concerns. The Panel will consist of experienced researchers from a range of backgrounds who will differ to those originally on the interview Panel.
PhD student networking day
All Diabetes UK-funded PhD students are invited to attend an annual student networking day as part of their studentship. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity to network and talk openly about their research, and non-research related topics, provide encouragement and advice, as well as to explore challenges and concerns in the research landscape.
Innovators in Diabetes Programme (IDia)
IDia is an annual residential weekend programme designed to develop early career diabetes researchers into leaders in their field. This programme offers the opportunity for Diabetes UK funded, and non-Diabetes UK funded researchers to expand their knowledge, network with like-minded people and gain new skills. The programme has been running for over 10 years and has built a strong network of diabetes scientists.
Helping to increase the impact of your research
Diabetes UK has a dedicated Research Communication Team to support its researchers with the dissemination of their research findings. The Team is here to help increase the impact of your research by providing expert support with media relations, social media activity, web publications and events. Contact us at the earliest opportunity to discuss your research announcement research@diabetes.org.uk
Please note there are specific requirements with regard to the publication of Diabetes UK-funded research, please refer to our grant conditions for more information.
