There are exciting times ahead in RDM with the recent launch of its new research strategy.
CV Med and OCDEM working together
Working together and avoiding silos is a fundamental part of research, and in the new RDM Research Strategy there is a drive for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (CV Med) and Oxford Centre of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) to work more closely together, to underpin the proposed new Section of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine.
Show and tell afternoon
One of the barriers to closer working lies in the geographically separated locations of CV Med and OCDEM, so we planned a 'show and tell' (or 'love-in' as it was coined by one of the PIs!) with the aim that we could jointly generate new, innovative and exciting research ideas to drive the new research strategy. Sarah Ball and Jess Bassett from the RDM Strategic Team were crucial in helping set this up and did a brilliant job. All PIs across CV Med and OCDEM were invited, and we ended up having an exciting, informative and highly productive afternoon.
Sixteen PIs came to OCDEM, and everyone gave five-minute lightning talks describing what they do, but also how we might work more closely together. We wanted to keep the atmosphere informal so there were lots of breaks to chat, come up with ideas, grab coffees, teas and biscuits. The instruments of torture that are the flip chart and the post-it note were wheeled out to great effect...we just asked individuals if they had had a conversation or the very beginnings of an idea, to add a single sentence or a few words (and a name or two) to a note and stick it to the board – nothing too painful. It seemed to work well with minimal coaxing and prodding!
tangible outcomes
We ended up with some excellent ideas. Already a pump-priming grant has been submitted and additional conversations and meetings have taken place and it's only a week since the 'love-in'. The plan is to continue to follow up on these ideas to see if there is any way that their growth into grant applications or fully fledged projects could be facilitated.
Overall, the afternoon seemed to work very well, there was lots of positive feedback and excellent ideas. The numbers of attendees seemed to be just about right to allow conversations and maintain the informality – let's hope that as many of the ideas that came out of the meeting progress and generate exiting new opportunities for collaboration across RDM's proposed new Section of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine.