Early Career Researcher Retreat 2025

At Alzheimer’s Society we are determined to support Early Career Researchers to reach their career goals and become the research leaders of the future. 

About the retreat

This year’s event will be held at the Mercure Hotel, Northampton, on 8th and 9th July 2025. The retreat is a networking opportunity and skills development event, offering the chance to meet fellow ECRs, gain peer-to-peer advice and learn practical skills that will aid you in your career progression.

We hope to see you there!

Date of event

Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July 2025

Location of event

Mecure Hotel, Northampton

Who’s eligible to attend

All Alzheimer’s Society funded ECRs from doctoral students to senior fellows, inclusive of research support staff and technicians and limited spaces for non-Alzheimer's Society funded researchers.

Event Fees

The retreat is free to all Alzheimer’s Society funded researchers. Externally funded researchers will be asked to pay a contribution which will amount to £150 to be paid at registration.

  • A host of talks, panels, and Q&A sessions by researchers, funding bodies, charity volunteers and ECR's, including a focus on researcher wellbeing and resilience
  • Skills workshops, with themes including leadership, publishing, working with people affected by dementia and communication
  • Complimentary dinner
  • Overnight accommodation (at cost for non-Alzheimer's Society funded researchers)

Involving experts by experience

Explore how collaborating with people affected by dementia can enhance your research, from shaping ideas to designing studies and creating lay summaries.

Publishing success

Get guidance on navigating the publication process and preparing manuscripts to successfully share your research with the world.

Science communication

Develop your skills in communicating science clearly and in a compelling manner to lay audiences.

Leadership

A session for more senior ECRs looking to take on leadership responsibilities or those already in a leadership position.

Have your say

Let us know what you would like to see at the next ECR retreat, have your say here!

How much does the event cost? 

The ECR retreat is free to all Alzheimer’s Society funded researchers. Externally funded researchers will be asked to pay a contribution which will amount to £150 to be paid at registration.

Can I expense my travel?

We regret that we are unable to cover any travel expenses.

What is your covid policy?

We recognise the challenges we continue to face during the current global pandemic. Our decisions are always driven by the impact on people affected by dementia, the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, partners, speakers and delegates.

We will be holding this conference in person, however we will be working in line with the government guidance and restrictions at the time. We will continue to monitor and review the policies and procedures we have in place in accordance with government and public health guidance. We will continue to update our attendees to any changes or considerations that will need to be put in place as part of these restrictions.

What is the address?

Mecure Hotel, Silver Street, Northampton, NN1 2TA

Hotel Accommodation

We will be providing hotel accommodation for attendees for Tuesday 8th July only. Any other nights required will have to be organised and booked separately by the attendee.

What if I am unable to attend due to caring responsibilities?

If you are an Alzheimer’s Society funded researcher, we can help if you have caring responsibilities (e.g. childcare) which may affect your ability to attend the conference. Please email us at [email protected] to discuss options/provisions.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch and refreshments will be served at the appropriate times. You will be asked for any dietary requirements when you register for the conference.

I have accessibility requirements, can you help?

Please ensure you indicate your requirements when registering for the event and we will accommodate these on the day.

Is there a dress code for the conference?

The dress code for the conference will be smart/casual.

What are the start and finish times of the event?

Timings will be added to the webpage shortly.

How do I book for sessions?

When you register you will be asked which breakout sessions you would like to book onto.

Will I be able to get a copy of presentations?

We will aim to get a copy of presentations from each speaker to be available after the event. This will be at the discretion of the speaker, therefore we cannot guarantee that all will be available.

Can I amend my booking after completion?

Yes, use the link in your email to login to your booking. Click ‘Modify’ to amend your booking. You can amend your session choices and change answers to the registration questions. The deadline for amending bookings is Monday 9th June.

Contact us

Send an email to [email protected] with any further queries about this event.

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