What next network - Wrexham University

In September, Dr Nikki Lloyd Jones and Dr Christopher Earing hosted a ‘What Next Network Celebration’ for outgoing and incoming MSc dissertation students, as well as cross-disciplinary staff, community contacts at BCUHB, and visiting researchers.

The afternoon was a celebration of those who had finished their MSc, producing wonderful research alongside working full time jobs in the allied health sector. Students’ research was displayed on screens in the Scale-Up room; some were printed on posters and placed on boards for everyone to read; a booklet of students’ reconstructed dissertation abstracts was also available on tables to browse; and a past student recorded a podcast for those who are embarking on their research dissertation journeys.

Across the students’ research topics, some overarching themes were identified that could be explored further, working with BCUHB and aligning with their Research and Innovation Strategy. The Network aims to develop capacity and a culture of cutting edge research and collaboration between Wrexham University Allied Health alums and the local area, to solve pertinent issues within the healthcare sector. The five topics that covered most of the students’ work included:

• Compassionate leadership and/or education
• Patient flow
• Preventative medicine
• Palliative care
• Diagnostic skills

After attendees indulged in free coffee and biscuits, they networked with some gentle guidance. Attendees were instructed to write their topic of interest from the five above onto a sticker and to stick it to their lapel, this way, they could find others whose research areas aligned with their own.

The conversations flowed, contact information was exchanged, and the whole afternoon was a successful example of supporting our alums with what comes next. Graduates have the opportunity to publish their dissertation with guidance from supervisors; they can take part in new research projects that follow on from their dissertations; and they can stay connected with Wrexham University by continuing research studies by embarking on a doctorate.

If you’re an Allied Health MSc alum and wish to get involved with the network, contact n.lloydjones@wrexham.