Our blogs cover a whole range of topics, to help early career dementia researchers (ECRs). Our contributors share information about their research, from social care to basic science, share advice from their own experiences, careers tips, what they learned from recent training events and conferences and much more. We have a small team of ECR staff bloggers who write each month, on a whole range of topics and every year we add more people who discuss their experiences of studying at particular places or on different topics. In addition to our staff bloggers, we welcome one-off contributions, and curate and link to content from other great sources, including our charity partners, the LSE Impact Blog, Nature Careers and where ever great support can be found.
To help find what you're looking for, you can browse through the articles, or use the filters on the right to find blogs by a particular person, or on a particular topic.
We are always on the lookout for new contributors, so if you would like to write for us, just head to the forum to drop us a line, or email dementiaresearcher@nihr.ac.uk
All of our blogs (since April 2020) come with narrations from the writer. You can listen while you read along on our website, or enjoy our blogs on the move via your podcast app. You can subscribe to our narrated blogs in your podcasts app, look for Dementia Researcher Blogs, or visit one of these platforms, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify and Goodpods.
Blog – Working on the road: Benefits of traveling to meet participants
Driving long distances for research can be isolating, but Amelia shares how to make the most of it, from scenic views and wildlife to uplifting music and podcasts.
Blog – Dementia Winter Care
Dr Sam Moxon reveals the hidden winter challenges for people living with dementia, urging compassion, connection, & understanding during cold, isolating months
Blog – Battling Perfectionism and Building Resilience
Battling perfectionism? Read Emily Spencer's inspiring blog on parenting, academia, and building resilience. Find balance, ditch comparison, and thrive!
Blog – Co-Analysis in Dementia Research: Insights from D-PACT
Explore Lorna Smith's reflections on co-analysis in dementia research, sharing insights and lessons learned from the D-PACT study and her first blog experience!
Blog – Be the Door, Bringing Academia to Life
Rebecca Williams highlights how sharing personal stories and being authentic in academia can inspire young-people and show that their dreams are possible.
Blog – Coping with An Absent Supervisor
Dr Yvonne Couch explores challenges of absent PhD supervisors, offering practical advice for researchers to navigate academic environments effectively.
Blog – Financial Exploitation & Scam Susceptibility in Dementia
Dr Jodi Watt explores financial exploitation & scam risks in dementia, highlighting challenges, solutions, and resources. A must-read for researchers and carers
Blog – Bringing Project Management into your PhD
Explore project management tips for PhD success in this blog from Adam Smith - essential insights for navigating research challenges with confidence!
Blog – Should You Stay? Pros and Cons of Postdoc’ing in Your PhD Lab
Dr Clíona Farrell shares the upsides and challenges of staying in your PhD lab for a postdoc, weighing career benefits, comfort, and fresh perspectives
Blog – Learning from experience to develop MCI Core Outcomes
In this blog Victoria Gabb shares her second update on developing a core outcome set for mild cognitive impairment research in her latest blog post.
ECR & PPI Reflections on Working Together in Co-production
Discover the power of authentic co-production in dementia research. Christine Carter & PPI member Chandrika Kaviraj share reflections from the EQUATED project
Blog – Dear Diary, Why I Keep a Research Journal
Check out Dr Connor Richardson’s insights on how a research journal can keep you organised, motivated, and in tune with your work.
Blog – Imposter Syndrome as a PI
Struggling with imposter syndrome in academia? Dr Yvonne Couch shares her raw insights on feeling like a 'fraud' as a PI. Read her story on Dementia Researcher.
Blog – Unexpected Snags and Small Wins as a PhD Mum
Navigating the highs and lows of PhD life as a new mum! Read Emily’s latest on balancing academia and parenthood—unexpected snags, small wins, and resilience.
Blog – The Dark World of Computational Modelling
Rebecca Williams’ blog sheds light on the eerie world of computational modelling, unearthing secrets from her journey through this mysterious field! 🎃👻
Blog – LGBTQ+ in Care Home Research
Bernie McInally highlights the overlooked LGBTQ+ population in care homes, stressing the need for inclusivity in research to enhance future care and support.
Blog – The Comparison Trap: Finding Balance in Your Final Year
Final-year student Yasmin Bonsu reflects on the highs and lows of self-comparison, sharing tips to stay focused and turn envy into growth.
Blog – Dementia-friendly spaces
Dr Jodi Watt blog, exploring the creation of dementia-friendly spaces that empower and support—simple changes can enhance safety, independence, and comfort
Blog – Why I have a complicated relationship with TV adverts
Amelia Robson shares her unique insights on the emotional challenges of working with dementia patients and why TV adverts hit differently during her visits
Blog – Alzheimer’s Society newest support package: Launchpad
Apply now for Alzheimer's Society Launchpad, a free 4-month part-time programme to help turn your dementia research into a product with real-world impact!
Blog – How do you create a university spin out?
Learn how to turn research into a business. Dr Sam Moxon shares his step-by-step guide to creating a university spin-out. Read the guest blog now!
Blog – A Career with Impact: 4 reasons academics make good Innovators
Discover why academics excel in innovation! Read Ella Moonan-Howard & Pepsi Reilly's blog on how research skills can drive real-world impact in innovation
Blog – ‘Venture Science’, What is it?
Explore how venture science bridges academia & innovation to tackle dementia care. Read Ella Moonan-Howard's blog on developing evidence-based health solutions
Blog – Journey to a PhD: A week in the life of a PhD student
Curious about PhD life? Read Dr Clíona Farrell's 3'd blog in the series, exploring the variety of lab work, data analysis, and more!
Blog – Journey to a PhD: How to write a standout CV and Cover Letter
Crafting the perfect PhD application? Read Dr Clíona Farrell’s blog for expert tips on writing a standout CV and cover letters to land your ideal position
Blog – Journey to a PhD: How to get there
From undergrad confusion to securing a PhD, Dr Clíona Farrell shares her journey and offers tips on navigating the competitive path to a research career
Blog – The Best of Both Worlds
Emily Spencer reflects on her decision to return to work after 9 months of maternity leave, navigating challenges of academia, finances, and parenthood
Blog – Mimicking Dementia: What is Functional Cognitive Disorder?
Discover how Functional Cognitive Disorder mimics dementia but differs in key ways. Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali explains the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
Blog – Developing ‘Core Outcomes’ for MCI Research
Discover how Victoria Gabb and colleagues are developing 'core outcomes' for mild cognitive impairment research. Follow their journey and learn why it matters
Blog – Flying Solo to an International Conference? A Survival Guide
Discover top tips for solo conference travel in Dr Sam Moxon's guide. From reducing anxiety to networking, learn how to make the most of your solo adventure!
Blog – The Open Secret: A Piece on Academic Bullying
Academic bullying is an open secret, but change is possible. Explore the impact of power dynamics and hierarchy in Dr Yvonne Couch's thought-provoking blog
Blog – Returning to University Post-Placement Year: Nervous or Excited?
Join Yasmin as she transitions from her thrilling placement year back to university, ready to tackle the final stretch with newfound insights!
Blog – The Evolving Landscape of PhD Funding
Adam Smith examines changes in PhD funding, with a focus on the rise of Doctoral Training Centres and their role in shaping interdisciplinary research.
Blog – In Defence of Academia
Dr Connor Richardson reflects on the challenges of academic research, sharing his passion for science, mentorship, and the practical benefits of academia.
Blog – Reflections on My PhD Viva & Next Steps
Don't miss Dr Hannah Hussain's final blog! She reflects on her PhD viva journey, sharing insights and tips for success. A must-read for PhD students!
Blog – My Experience as a Co-Researcher
Following a diagnosis with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Martin Robertson's life changed, & since then he has discovered a passion for research and co-production
Blog – Making Friends When You’re the Newcomer
Boost your research like an Olympian! Embrace performance coaching to enhance well-being, resilience, and productivity in dementia research. Get on the podium!
Blog – The Joys of Academia (Seriously)
Rebecca Williams explores academia’s highs and lows, from research challenges to the joys of being a computational neuroscientist. Be inspired by her story!
Blog – Inequity in dementia drug development
Explore the inequalities in dementia drug development with Dr Jodi Watt's latest blog. Discover the challenges and strides in creating inclusive treatments.
Blog – Communicating your science effectively: know your audience
Read Dr Clíona Farrell’s guest blog on effective science communication and discover tips for engaging diverse audiences and sharing your research.
Blog – Think big – moving from the individual to the population
Explore Dr Lis Grey's insights on shifting from individual to population-level strategies to tackle dementia and chronic disease prevention. Read more now!
Blog – Pain, Perception, and Childbirth: Can a Woman be Believed?
Emily Spencer explores how dismissing women’s pain in childbirth parallels the disbelief faced by people with dementia in healthcare settings.
Alzheimer’s Society invests £9m in Doctoral Training Centres
Alzheimer’s Society invests £9m in Doctoral Training Centres to boost early career researchers and accelerate dementia research breakthroughs.
Blog – Poetic Tales from Dementia Wards
Dr Ayokunmi Ojebode unveils the emotional depth and dignity of those living with dementia through the powerful lens of poetry - Read or Listen
Blog – Selfish Reasons for Open Science
Explore the selfish benefits of Open Science with Rebecca Williams: faster analysis, easier publishing, and free sanity checks. Make Open Science work for you!
Blog – What is polysomnography?
Join Amelia Robson as she navigates the challenges of using Polysomnography in research, bringing cutting-edge sleep science directly into patients' homes.
Blog – The Mind’s Hidden Fortress: Cognitive Reserve and Dementia
Explore how cognitive reserve acts as the brain's hidden fortress against dementia in Dr Sam Moxon's blog. Learn how to build resilience!
Blog – Research Like an Olympian
Boost your research like an Olympian! Embrace performance coaching to enhance well-being, resilience, and productivity in dementia research. Get on the podium!