Research for Clinicians Day 2025 - Winners and Highlights!
NIMDTA, together with its partners, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and Ulster Medical Society, held its annual ‘Research for Clinicians Day’ on Thursday 6th November 2025.
On Thursday 6th November 2025, NIMDTA proudly hosted its annual Research for Clinicians Day, in collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, and the Ulster Medical Society.
Held at the impressive Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, the event brought together Medical and Dental Trainees from across Northern Ireland to celebrate and explore the breadth of clinical research being undertaken by their peers.
Welcome Address & Clinical Research Opportunities
Guests were welcomed with coffee on arrival, followed by an opening address from Professor Alan Smyth, Foundation Dean of the School of Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast.
The morning programme offered valuable insights into academic and clinical research pathways. Highlights included:
- Dr Kerri Mun-Bookless, Academic Clinical Fellow (Paediatrics), introducing the Clinical Academic Training Programme.
- Dr Andrew Boyle, Academic Clinical Lecturer (Intensive Care Medicine), sharing his research journey.
- Ms Niamh Walls, Foundation Dentist, discussing the Academic Dental Programme.
- Dr Orla Carney, GPARTS Fellow (General Practice), presenting on the GPRTS Fellowship.
An engaging Q&A session chaired by Dr Richard Turkington, Clinical Reader and Honorary Consultant at the NI Cancer Centre and the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, provided attendees with further opportunity to explore research pathways.
Oral Presentations
Three finalists, selected from abstract submissions reviewed by a panel of expert judges, presented their original research to the audience. The live judging panel included:
- Dr Lorraine Parks – Director of Foundation Training
- Caren Walsh – President, Ulster Medical Society
- Professor Peter Bazira – Dean, School of Medicine, Ulster University
- Dr Richard Turkington – Clinical Reader, Queen’s University Belfast
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast
Dr Turkington also delivered a compelling presentation on career pathways into clinical research.
Poster Presentations
During the lunch and networking break, attendees had the opportunity to meet researchers, engage with Clinical Fellows and Lecturers, and view poster submissions across four categories:
- Case Report/Series
- Quality Improvement
- Medical Education
- Clinical Research
Each poster was evaluated by a judging panel, with top-scoring entries announced later in the day.
Keynote Address
The keynote was delivered by Professor Greg Irving, Director of the EHU Health Research Institute and EPIC (EHU Primary and Integrated Care) Research Centre, Edge Hill University Medical School. His address offered thought-provoking insights into the future of integrated clinical research.
And the Winners are...
Following the keynote, Dr Karen Walsh, President of the Ulster Medical Society, announced the winners of this year’s event:
Case Report/Series: Dr William McGalliard – “Bone Deep: Unravelling Sarcoidosis”
Clinical Research: Dr Ufuk Parildar – “Thermographic Assessment of Arteriovenous Fistula Patency for Haemodialysis Patients with Fistula Dysfunction”
Quality Improvement: Dr Hannah Patterson & Catherine Whiteside – “Problem List Problems: An Epic Quality Improvement Project”
Testimonials from this years event include:
Feedback from attendees included:
“An inspiring showcase of trainee-led research.”
“Great networking and learning opportunities – I left feeling motivated!”
“The keynote was incredibly insightful and relevant to my career path.”
Get Involved Next Year!
Are you a Medical or Dental Trainee with a passion for research? We encourage you to showcase your work at next year’s Research for Clinicians Day. It’s a fantastic opportunity to present your findings, gain feedback from experts, and connect with a vibrant community of clinician-researchers shaping the future of healthcare in Northern Ireland.
Stay tuned to NIMDTA’s channels for updates on abstract submission deadlines, event announcements, and ways to get involved!
For more information on ‘Research for Clinicians Day ’ how to participate in next years event - click here
A copy of the 2025 event programme is available to view below and includes full details on all guest speakers and abstract submissions.
