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.

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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.

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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.

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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 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDjURgVH6YM

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Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website:

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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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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