In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Megan Rose Readman from the University of Liverpool discusses the role of peer support and community in research careers.

This session explores the importance of support networks at all career stages, from early career to senior roles. Megan is joined by three guests, each with experience in building and sustaining research communities specifically to support researchers working in all areas of Alzheimer's disease and all other forms of dementia, and neurodegeneration:

• Adam Smith from Dementia Researcher, who discusses their global community, including the recent launch of a new app designed to connect researchers.
• Dr Oz Ismail from Alzheimer's Association and ISTAART, who provides insights into their professional society’s efforts to support Alzheimer’s research globally.
• Josh Wright from Alzheimer’s Research UK, who explains the structure and benefits of their UK-wide network, especially for early-career researchers.

Listeners will gain an understanding of how these communities function and the different forms of support available, from mentoring to practical resources. The episode also touches on how the pandemic has shifted peer support needs, with virtual communities becoming essential for many researchers.

Five Top Tips from the show:

• Seek Out Professional Networks: Engaging with professional societies, like ISTAART or Dementia Researcher, can provide access to a broad community of peers and experts, which is especially valuable if you're working in isolation or in a niche area.
• Leverage Online Communities: Virtual communities offer a space to connect with others in your field, share resources, and find support—important for building connections, particularly when geographic location or funding constraints make in-person networking challenging.
• Participate in Mentorship Opportunities: Many research networks offer mentorship programmes, often through dedicated platforms or apps, where you can find mentors or become one yourself, helping to navigate career stages or specific research challenges.
• Engage in Journal Clubs and Special Interest Groups: Virtual journal clubs or topic-specific groups, as seen in Dementia Researcher’s app, allow researchers to discuss recent studies, share insights, and collaborate within specific research interests.
• Use Peer Support to Improve Wellbeing: Peer support networks provide a safe space for discussing challenges and successes beyond research—such as mental health or career setbacks—offering a layer of personal support often needed in academic careers.

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

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