On 12 November 2025, NELFT proudly hosted its Research & Development Conference, our most successful event to date! With over 460 registrants and attendees from 87 organisations nationwide, including NHS England, NIHR, universities, charities, and service user groups, the conference showcased the incredible innovation and collaboration driving research at NELFT.

This year’s theme focused on preliminary findings from NELFT-sponsored studies, highlighting ground-breaking work in dementia care, digital interventions for suicide prevention, smart technology for aphasia, and strategies to reduce long-term antipsychotic use. Inspiring presentations from leading experts and engaging workshops on AI, inclusive research, and community-based studies made the day truly exceptional.

A special highlight was our annual poster competition, featuring 11 outstanding entries from NELFT R&D staff, clinical colleagues, and PhD students—all showcasing research taking place within NELFT. The quality and creativity of these submissions reflect the depth of expertise and passion across our organisation.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, presented, and participated. Your contributions made this event an incredible success and reinforced the power of collaboration in advancing evidence-based practice.

Watch this space for information about our 2026 conference!