BDA: RESEARCH
BDA: SUPPORTINGTHE LATEST DIETETIC RESEARCH www.bda.uk.com
The annual BDA Research Symposium is a highlight event in the dietetic calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for dietitians to showcase their latest research. Over the last few years, the Symposium has soared in popularity and has grown to include dietitians from all areas of the profession including dietetic students, dietitians working in clinical practice, public health dietitians and research dietitians. Research presented at the Symposium could be anything from an undergraduate dissertation, an MSc/MRes project, a PhD study via a university or sponsored by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)/Health Education England (HEE), or practice-based research in a dietetic setting. The supportive environment makes it an encouraging and exciting place to present, network, collaborate, learn, and promote dietetics! It’s also a great place to share best practice, new interventions and stimulate interest in research. HOW DOES THE SYMPOSIUM WORK?
There is a call for abstracts several months before the event which takes place every December in Birmingham. Abstracts are reviewed and judged anonymously, then sent back to the applicant with feedback. The applicant can then choose whether to re-submit their abstract for presentation once the feedback has been incorporated. ATTENDING ON THE DAY
A range of presenters each have seven minutes to present their research. In addition to these presentations, attendees can listen to two inspiring 44
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presentations from long-standing BDA members and specialised dietitians on a topic that has impacted or shaped dietetic practice. Attendees are also able to browse the exhibition space, which includes a range of BDA partners and an area to speak with expert BDA staff who are on hand to provide advice, guidance and a range of useful resources to help in your practice. LOOKING BACK AT 2016
The 2016 BDA Symposium got off to a flying start, with BDA member Professor Mary Hickson presenting her latest research undertaken for the Future Dietitian 2025 project Future Dietetic Workforce - working towards a new strategy. This was followed by BDA member Yvonne McKenzie presenting her work with the BDA Gastroenterology Specialist Group on their updated practice guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Delegates enjoyed a breadth of interesting topics throughout the day with six main streams including Clinical Nutrition, Public Health, New