Rebecca Williams - Research Impact: Beginning at the End

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website. Rebecca contemplates the journey of her work from its conception to its final goal of tangible real-world impact. She shares a personal anecdote about her first publication, reflecting on the sense of anticlimax when the anticipated change failed to materialise instantly. This experience serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on how researchers can create a more direct path to impact. Rebecca provides practical suggestions on how to align research with NICE recommendations to ensure relevance and application in health services. She urges researchers to engage with policy-making, even in the early stages of their careers, to understand the kind of evidence that can influence decisions and replicate success. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of public engagement, advising researchers to consult with patients and carers to ensure their work addresses real needs and achieves its intended effect. The blog underscores the idea that research impact should not be an afterthought but a guiding principle from the beginning of the research process. By integrating these approaches, she advocates for a more intentional and effective pathway to ensure that research does not "enter the void" but instead contributes to meaningful progress. Find the original text, and narration here on our website. https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-research-impact-beginning-at-the-end/ -- Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99 -- Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support. -- Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://twitter.com/demrescommunity https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher