Navigating the Pre-doctoral Journey: You’re Not Alone 

By Katie Dooley, Speech and Language Therapist and NIHR Pre-Doctoral Fellow (2025–2026)

Navigating the Pre-doctoral Journey: You’re Not Alone 

Starting out in research can feel exciting but also daunting. You might be wondering how to take your first step, whether you have the right experience, or how to balance your current role with developing a research career. Whether you’re drafting your first fellowship application, feeling unsure if you have “enough” research experience, or simply curious about how research might fit into your future, you’re not alone. 

The Regional Pre-Doctoral Community is here to support you. We’re a peer network for anyone at the pre-doctoral stage in the North East and North Cumbria, whatever your professional background, whether you work in healthcare, local government, research methodology, or diagnostic and support services. 

This community builds on the success of the original NIHR PCAF/PLAF community but has evolved to reflect the growing number and diversity of people exploring research careers across the region. We welcome individuals who are research-conscious, research-curious, or actively developing as Practitioner Academics. 

What we offer: 

• Peer support across professional groups and organisations 
• Practical help navigating pre-doctoral research opportunities and fellowships 
• Regular online and in-person events that support pre-doctoral researchers to connect, collaborate and grow 
• Encourage members to actively contribute, share experiences, and support others across the community 

The community is co-led by a group of current and former NIHR Pre-Doctoral Fellows, each bringing a unique perspective from their field, including clinical roles, diagnostics, therapy, methodology, and local government. We know the journey isn’t always straightforward and we’re committed to creating a space where others can feel supported and seen. 

Whether you’re based in a hospital, university, council, lab, or clinic, if you’re looking to develop your research skills and confidence, this community is for you. 

Interested in joining the Regional Pre-doctoral Community or want to learn more? Sign up to our mailing list, we’d love to welcome you. 

Regional Pre-doctoral Community Co-Chairs (2025):

Stephanie Quinn | X: @stephanieQnn

Domna Salonen | Mental Health Research | LinkedIn

Katie Dooley Cawley | X: @katiedooley69 | Bluesky

Scott Lloyd | X: @Scottylloyd1979 | Bluesky | LinkedIn