BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aims of the catalyst event were:

• to strengthen our Alcohol Research Group network, fostering collaboration opportunities and building research capacity,
• to give ECRs an opportunity to share their research findings, advancing their dissemination skills.

The aim of the event was to create a collaborative space for academics and clinicians from across disciplines and institutions to meet face-to-face, share emerging research, and explore opportunities for cross-university, multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Since January 2025, the Alcohol Research Group has convened monthly via online workshops. This in-person event, made possible through targeted funding, offered a valuable opportunity to deepen those virtual connections, showcase early-stage research, and lay the groundwork for future collaborative projects. The event placed a strong focus on Early Career Researchers (ECRs), providing them with a platform to present their work through short presentations. Equally important was the emphasis on informal networking, encouraging the development of long-term peer support networks and shared research goals.

On Friday 20 June 2025, we hosted our first in-person catalyst event at the Bournemouth Gateway Building, bringing together members of our newly formed Alcohol Research Group.

Fourteen group members attended in person, representing Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, the University of Southampton, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and Southampton General Hospital. We also welcomed online attendees from the Institute for Alcohol Studies, Alcohol Change UK, the University of Keele, King’s College London, and the University of South Wales, further broadening the reach and impact of the session. 

The event was a clear success and fully aligned with the objectives set out in the original funding call. It provided a valuable platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and network-building among academics and clinicians working in alcohol research.

In terms of broader impact and future collaborations, the event catalysed several important new connections beyond the Wessex region. In particular, we established new working relationships with stakeholders from the Institute of Alcohol Studies, Alcohol Change UK, the University of South Wales, and Brynawel House Rehab. These partnerships are crucial for expanding the reach and influence of the Alcohol Research Group at a national level.

Following the event, I was invited to join the Alcohol Special Interest Group, a collaborative initiative between the University of South Wales and Cardiff University, under the umbrella of the Mental Health Research Incubator: Addiction Special Interest Group. This is a promising opportunity to strengthen inter-regional collaboration and elevate the profile of our research across the UK.

The support from the MHR Incubator was instrumental in making this event possible. Funding for travel and catering enabled us to bring together members of the Alcohol Research Group in person for the first time, an important step after several months of online-only collaboration. This in-person gathering created meaningful opportunities for relationship-building, cross-disciplinary conversations, and the development of shared research priorities. Without this support, many attendees, particularly ECRs and clinicians, may not have been able to attend due to funding constraints. The catering provision also contributed to a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging informal discussions and deeper engagement.

The event has already led to the development of new partnerships beyond the Wessex region, including invitations to national networks such as the Addiction Special Interest Group. In this way, the Incubator’s support has not only helped strengthen existing connections but has also expanded the reach and impact of our work and continues to provide opportunities for me to grow as a researcher. I am very grateful for all your help and support!