Dorset Research & Improvement Network (DORN+)
The Dorset Research & Improvement Network (DORN+) is a cross-organisational collaborative of health and social care professionals with an interest in research and quality improvement.
DORN+ aims to provide up-to-date opportunities for individual research skills development, share information, facilitate joint ventures in research delivery, and showcase the clinical translation of research—a process known as Knowledge Mobilisation.
This page also features a curated selection of News, Events and Funding Opportunities designed to support both new and established researchers in Dorset.
What does DORN+ offer?
- Quarterly Online Network Meetings: Featuring guest speakers and regional research updates.
- Quarterly Newsletter: Highlighting Dorset research updates and achievements.
- “Ask an Academic” Sessions: Monthly “academic in-residence” sessions at Weymouth and Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) Research hubs.
- Quarterly Clinical Academic Forum: A platform for local presentations, discussions, and feedback.
- Focus Areas: Academic and researcher development, translation and knowledge mobilisation, and quality improvement (QI) and service improvement.
How will I benefit from joining?
By joining, you can expect:
- Invitations to network meetings.
- Opportunities to showcase your own research plans, outcomes, or ideas.
- A chance to learn from the work of others.
- Opportunities to be involved in generating new research ideas, QI translation, and personal development as a researcher.
Further information
Who can get involved?
Anyone with an interest in research is welcome to join. Regular attendees include R&D representatives, Knowledge and Library Services staff, and research-active clinical academics.
Join the DORN+ network
Click here to get in contact with DORN+ or to join the network.
DORN+ wants your feedback
Click here to tell DORN+ your feedback, what they can do for you and what you want from future meetings.
When is the next DORN+ Community of Practice meeting?
DORN+ Community of Practice meetings are held monthly on MS Teams (see dates below). Email the organisers to receive an invite.
DORN+ Monthly Meetings
22 October 2026: 16:00 – 17:30
26 November 2026: 16:00 – 17:30
24 December 2026: 16:00 – 17:30
28 January 2027: 16:00 – 17:30
25 February 2027: 16:00 – 17:30
25 March 2027: 16:00 – 17:30
22 April 2027: 16:00 – 17:30
27 May 2027: 16:00 – 17:30
DORN+ Workshops
Quarterly face to face workshops intended to aid participants to develop, network and learn applied research skills.
Activity and engagement are key.
| Date | Time | Location | Workshop | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBC | TBC (2 hours) | Bournemouth University (room TBC) | Conversation café - ideas and methods generation | Group conversations to present your research idea/abstract to peers to work through the methods/ objectives /impact. |
Events
Click on the titles below to expand the section and find out more.
NIHR Innovation Observatory Showcase 2026
Training & News
Check back for updates another time!
Research Studies
Physiotherapists wanted: EDS/HSD consultation opportunity
Physiotherapists are invited to take part in a 45-minute virtual consultation to support improved awareness and education on EDS/HSD as part of the Road to 2026 initiative.
Email kathleen.mahoney@costellomedical.com to find out more
Funding Opportunities
Click on the titles below to expand the section and find out more.
MRC Regional Awards for Clinical Researchers
⭐ New Funding Opportunity ⭐ Do you need support for your Clinical Academic Career? ⭐
The South-East Clinical Academic Partnership (SECAP) is launching a new funding opportunity through the MRC Regional Awards for Clinical Researchers (RACR) scheme.
The programme will provide competitively awarded funding to clinicians and other health and care professionals (who hold a PhD or equivalent doctorate, not an MSc) to support post-PhD transition activities, or a return to research following a career break.
All research must be within MRC remit. Successful applicants may also access mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and research support funding.
Head to the website to find out more about the scheme, eligibility criteria, application process and upcoming webinars
The webinars are open to prospective applicants, supervisors and mentors, with an opportunity to ask questions and learn how the funding could support your clinical academic career.
Application deadline 12th October 2026.
NIHR funding opportunities
If you would like to take a look through all of the national NIHR funding opportunities that are currently open, please visit their website here.
Future NIHR Clinical Research Leaders Award
NIHR is partnering with the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to grow clinical research capacity and improve career paths. This work will be delivered through aligned Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) opportunities. Learn more about the award and read the article here.
WHP/NIHR WEMN Small Grants Scheme
The next round of the WHP/NIHR WEMN Small Grants Scheme is now open. The closing date is Thursday 29th October 2026.
For more information, please visit the dedicated Small Grants Scheme page: Small Grants Scheme | Wessex Health Partners
Check out this video to learn more about the Small Grants Scheme.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact WHP via enquiries@wessexhp.org.uk or NIHR WEMN via WEMN@uhs.nhs.uk
You can download the guidance here, and the application form here.
Resources
Associate Principal Investigator scheme
Learn more about the Associate PI scheme from the NIHR here.
Wessex Health Partners Newsletter
In case you missed it, please click here to read WHP’s latest newsletter.
University of York podcast - Research Room
University of York Podcast – Research Room
Join the York Trials Unit at the University of York each week in The Research Room where we sit down with the researchers themselves to explore how their work is shaping the future of people’s health. From revolutionary new medical devices to transformative educational programmes and vital research into mental health support, we dive into the diverse projects that truly make a difference.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music or on the website
CAHPR LinkedIn page
📢 Community for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) has a LinkedIn page.
Connect to keep updated with AHP research events, webinars, and opportunities. Follow the link 📢
AHP Workforce Research Priorities Published
AHP Workforce Research Priorities Published
Over 1,700 contributions have informed the Top 10 UK AHP workforce research priorities, developed through a national partnership with the James Lind Alliance. These will guide future research, funding, and policy to support a sustainable AHP workforce.
Learning from PPI in Action: A Collection of NIHR Webinars
This e-book, compiled from the first six sessions of our NIHR PPI in Action webinar series, offers a unique look into successful Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) across health and social care research. From dementia care and childhood obesity prevention to HGV driver health and refugee mental health, this collection provides a rich tapestry of real-world examples.
Why read it?
• Practical Insights: It moves beyond theory to show how the UK Standards for Public Involvement come to life in practice.
• Diverse Case Studies: Learn about creative methods like arts-based engagement for non-verbal expression and experience-based co-design.
• Honest Lessons: The chapters highlight both successes and challenges in recruitment, ethics, governance, and dissemination.
Whether you are a researcher, a public contributor, or a policymaker, this e-book offers an experience-based roadmap to high-quality, inclusive involvement.
Download your copy here: Learning from PPI in Action: A collection of webinars
Clinical Academic Bios
Dr Pippa Collins
Dr Pippa Collins is a clinical academic and advanced practitioner working in Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust. Her research and clinical interests are in the management of frailty and dementia; and the end of life period in frailty. As a clinical academic she is working with the R&D department to develop clinical academics and to build sustainable clinical academic roles and pathways. She is actively involved with the NIHR INSIGHT Southwest Central Internship and MRes programmes. Read about some of Dr Collins’ latest work on the British Geriatrics Society blog below.