Listening & Supporting Dementia Researchers

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, we discuss the challenges and support needs of early career dementia researchers (ECRs) across Europe. Our discussion centres on a recent study titled Supporting Early Career Dementia Researchers: Identifying Support Needs and Ways Forward via a European Study. The study sheds light on the unique difficulties faced by ECRs and offers practical recommendations to enhance professional journeys.

Speakers:

Adam Smith: Programme Director for Dementia Researcher and today's guest host.
Dr Charlèss Dupont: A postdoctoral researcher at Freie University in Brussels with a background in nursing and communication. Charlès's work primarily focuses on communication and palliative care in dementia.
Dr Pascale Heins: With a background in occupational therapy, Dr. Heins works at Maastricht University, where her research explores ways to support social life in people with dementia.
Dr Sara Laureen Bartles: A postdoctoral researcher at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm and Maastricht University, Sarah's research spans chronic conditions management, including dementia.

Key Takeaways:

Funding and Career Support: The study identifies a significant need for better financial support mechanisms, particularly in the transition from PhD to postdoctoral roles.
Work-Life Balance: The pressures of academia often lead to an unhealthy work-life balance, with expectations set by supervisors. The study calls for more proactive support from institutions.
Mentoring and Training: The importance of mentoring and training, both within academia and for careers outside of it, is emphasised as a way to better prepare researchers for diverse career paths.
Dissemination: There is a need for improved dissemination strategies, ensuring that research findings reach a broader audience, including those directly affected by dementia.

Tune-in as we explore these critical issues and discuss actionable solutions to support the current and next generation of dementia researchers.

Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:

Supporting early-career dementia researchers: Identifying support needs and ways forward via a European study - https://bit.ly/3WN1yju

How are early-career dementia researchers considered and supported on a national level by dementia plans and organizations? An overview of global policy approaches - https://bit.ly/3YMxrLq

ISTAART and University College London survey turns a spotlight on early career researcher life and challenges - https://bit.ly/4dMmoWK

Join ISTAART - istaart.alz.org
Pascal's PhD Defence -    • Phd Defence of Pascale Heins  
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Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website:
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.a...
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This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in association with Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia who we thank for their ongoing support.
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00:00 Introductions
07:53 Inspiration for the study to understand EU Researcher Challenges
09:45 Personal motivations for exploring career challenges
11:29 Key findings from the research
15:19 Study recommendations
29:04 Next steps to support delivery of the recommendations
39:44 What can PI's and Institutions do to improve research support and culture
47:05 Advise for ECRs
49:32 Roundup and Goodbyes