Thank you to everyone who attended the Daphne Jackson Conference 2024 on the 11^th and 12^th of November at BMA House.  We were thrilled with the exceptional turnout and the enthusiastic response to our new research presentations “Your research, your way” as well as the research of our former fellows and developments of the Trust.

At our Monday “Your research, your way” session fifty-three fellows presented research across all disciplines, using not just traditional posters, but objects, videos and talks to explain the research that they’ve undertaken as Daphne Jackson Fellows.  “Your research, your way” demonstrated not just the breadth of research being undertaken by Daphne Jackson Fellows – from marine antibiotic resistance and Japanese art to childhood arthritis and coffee roots – but also just how much skill and promise returners have to offer.

On Monday night, we hosted a networking event for fellows, funders, and supporters.  Hosted by Vivienne Parry, MBE, we heard from Daphne’s niece Susan Balganie about the inspirational and very real woman behind the founding of the Daphne Jackson Trust, and from former fellow and current MP for Gravesham Dr. Lauren Sullivan about the importance of research in government.

Tuesday morning kicked off with a “Your research, your way” session for all conference attendees, followed by our infamous “Five minute fellowships”, in which six former fellows have five minutes and two slides to explain their research.  Winner Christina Andersen and runner up Sam Garrard wowed us with how their fellowships allowed them to return to research after unexpected career breaks in history and marine biology. We also heard from former fellows who have explored other paths to success post-fellowship, joining industry, promoting research within universities, and becoming CEOs.  The impact and success of former Daphne Jackson Fellows extends across the research landscape, from major grants to new companies.

After lunch, Professor Jane Clarke from the University of Cambridge gave her keynote address on the importance of research, resilience, and second chances, as well as the central role of diversity in the research workforce.  “It’s essential to have diverse teams who have different backgrounds. It’s essential to have the voice of people who have taken time out and come back. Those perspectives are important.”

Finally, in our panel on “Supporting Research Returners,” we heard about how the Trust is growing and changing, with a new brand, new fellowships, new research areas, and new supporters.  Non-linear careers and flexible working are at the heart of the Trust’s mission, and as the Daphne Jackson Trust grows, we hope to bring ever more people back to research.

An special thank you to the venue, supporters, and everyone who helped make this event possible.