This interactive workshop supports researchers developing therapies, products and services towards clinical impact. Participants will explore how common challenges in translational research such as publication rejections, funding delays, regulatory complexity, and clinical trial setbacks can be reframed as sources of learning, adaptability, and professional growth. The workshop has been co-organised by KCATO, King's Health Partners Centre for Translational Medicine, the KCL-GSTT Joint Research Office and King's Innovation Catalyst.

Drawing on evidence from psychology, organisational research, and healthcare practice, the session introduces practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, managing stress, and maintaining motivation in high-pressure environments. Through reflective exercises and peer dialogue, participants will also strengthen communication and collaboration during demanding phases of research.

The workshop is designed not only to build individual resilience, but also to share best practice with each other. 

• Recognise and reframe common setbacks in health translational research

• Apply practical resilience-building techniques and adaptive practices

• Strengthen communication and collaboration during challenging periods

• Develop a personal resilience action plan

Attendees will be encouraged to form ongoing peer connections to support each other beyond the session.

Who should attend? 

• Early-mid career Clinical Academics involved in translational research, specifically CTM CREF and Catalyst Fellows

• Healthcare professional researchers involved in translation (from PhD level up to and including Senior Lecturer)

• Health researchers involved in translation (from PhD level up to and including Senior Lecturer)

Speakers include:

• Professor Reza Rezavi, Professor of Paediatric cardiovascular Science at King's College London and an Honorary Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist at GSTT. He has held numerous leadership roles across King's including Vice President (Research) at King's College London, and the Director of Research at King’s Health Partners. He was also the Director of the King’s Wellcome Trust EPSRC Centre For Medical Engineering (until May 2021) and The London AI Centre for Value Based Healthcare (until March 2024).
  
  
• Professor Mitul Mehta, Professor of Neuroimaging & Psychopharmacology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London. He is Head of the Neuropharmacology Group and Section in the Department of Neuroimaging, Theme Lead of Experimental Medicine and Novel Therapeutics at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health and Director of the IoPPN Centre for Innovative Therapeutics.
  
  Mitul's group applies quantitative methods to identify drug mechanisms and classify different compounds and uses classic tracking methods to develop assays of drug modulation. These methods are utilised to understand existing compounds as well as assay novel compounds. Mitul's team have tested various mechanisms, including in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry. 

Facilitator:

Susie Edwards is a leadership and career development specialist who works at the intersection of healthcare, research, and complex systems. She supports clinicians, researchers, and senior leaders to navigate uncertainty, challenge, and transition with clarity, compassion, and effectiveness.

Through her work with NHS organisations, universities, research institutes, and professional bodies, Susie designs and delivers evidence-informed programmes that integrate psychology, organisational theory, and lived experience of high-pressure environments. Her approach combines practical tools with reflective depth, helping individuals and teams build resilience that is sustainable, relational, and embedded in systems, not just personal coping.

Susie is particularly known for her work on resilience, adaptive leadership, communication, and career development in contexts characterised by complexity, ambiguity, and high emotional load. She brings a strong commitment to psychological safety, equity, and collective wellbeing, and is skilled at creating learning spaces that are both rigorous and human.

She is Director of WonderIf, where she partners with healthcare and research organisations to develop leaders and cultures capable of thriving amid continual change.

Register

Please register your interest here. 

Accessibility

The KCATO aims to provide an inclusive environment for everyone who attends our events to enable participation for all. If you have any special requirements such as alternative communication/presentation access needs, please let us know at kcato@kcl.ac.uk