Speaker Details
The RDF is delighted to welcome a diverse range of speakers from across the UK health and care R&D landscape to RDF26.
Heather Slade
Strategic Partnerships Lead, NIHR RDN
Heather Slade is the Strategic Partnerships Lead, with 14 years of experience at NIHR RDN, covering digital service development, workforce and research management and governance. She is passionate about research design and delivery, focusing on equality of access and inclusivity in research. Her work emphasises the value of partnership, stakeholder engagement, and incorporating lived experience and patient voices to improve service design and delivery.
Currently, her focus areas include the inclusion of children in research, enhancing the digital experience of engaging in research, and collaborating with system partners to advance the research landscape for patients and the public. Prior to her time at NIHR RDN, she worked at Cancer Research UK, supporting the designing and delivery of the ECMC network, and with the MRC in lifelong health and ageing.
Delegate Registration
Registration is now live. Join us in Birmingham and be part of the conversations shaping the future of UK health and care research. Early Bird rates are available until 31 January 2026 – book now to secure your place at the best rate.