Held every other year, the Kennedy Retreat is an opportunity for the whole Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology community to step away from the day-to-day pace of research to reflect on where the Institute is heading, celebrate recent achievements and hear from colleagues working across a diverse range of disciplines. From emerging collaborations and entrepreneurship to research culture and professional development, the programme reflected the many different ways that the Kennedy Institute is working to build a productive and vibrant research institute where world-leading research can flourish.
Day one opened with the 'Inside in' sessions, showcasing collaborations developing within the Institute. These gave researchers the opportunity to share new findings, ideas and approaches, while highlighting the connections between them, demonstrating how collaborative research is helping to answer increasingly complex scientific questions.
Throughout the afternoon discussions turned to research culture, sustainability, professional development and the Institute's scientific strategy. Speakers highlighted the many initiatives supporting researchers at every career stage, from mentoring, wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion to opportunities for career development and funding.
There was also an opportunity to hear about the Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Exposome Immunology, an initiative bringing researchers across Oxford and Manchester together to investigate how the environment interacts with our immune system to trigger chronic inflammatory diseases. We also heard updates on the Institute's growing commitment to sustainability, with all laboratories now achieving at least Silver LEAF accreditation and many having gained a Gold award.
The first day concluded with the Kennedy Institute Choir performing a rendition of "Pompeii". All attendees were then invited to join a surprise sing-along of "My Way" to celebrate Head of Operations, Jonathan Truslow's retirement after 11 years at the Kennedy. It was an unexpected and emotional moment that perfectly captured the community spirit running throughout the Retreat.
Day two looked beyond the Institute with sessions focusing on external collaborations, Shared Research Facilities (SRFs) and the partnerships that help translate discoveries into real-world impact. The poster session provided another opportunity to exchange ideas, while presentations from the SRFs demonstrated the expertise and technologies that support research across the Institute.
An innovation and entrepreneurship session featured speakers from across academia and industry sharing their experiences of translating research into commercial ventures and offering reflections on both the opportunities and challenges of building a start-up. Alongside practical advice on securing investment, assembling the right team and understanding the market, the panel encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to build networks, seek out mentors and not be afraid to take the first step.
The 'Successes beyond the lab' session broadened the conversation further, celebrating the many ways Kennedy staff contribute beyond traditional research outputs. Presentations highlighted open science and supporting career returners, alongside creative approaches to public engagement which included the screening of "A Day in the Life of a Poo Sample", developed as part of the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies' campaign around World Microbiome Day. The film offered an engaging and accessible insight into the journey of a microbiome sample and demonstrated how imaginative science communication can help connect research with wider audiences.
Any retreat wouldn't be complete without lots of time for catching up with longstanding colleagues and meeting new ones! A 'Kennedy Treasure Hunt' had everyone taking wonderfully creative photos around the Headington area in Oxford. The photos that came back were a delightful mix of innovation and quirkiness that demonstrated the unique mindset that fuels the research at the Kennedy.
Professor Dame Fiona Powrie, Director of the Kennedy Institute, said: 'The Retreat showcased what defines the Kennedy Institute, exceptional people, world-leading science and a collaborative research culture that brings them together. It was inspiring to see researchers at every career stage sharing ideas, building new partnerships and supporting one another. By investing in our people and fostering an environment where collaboration and innovation flourish, we are creating the conditions for scientific discoveries that will make a real difference to patients.'