Hosted by the BDA Critical Care Specialist Group
Join us for the launch of the annual Critical Care Specialist Group Research Award!
This 1 hour webinar is designed for individuals who are considering submitting an abstract, either in the current cycle or in future years, and will provide an overview of everything you need to know to prepare an application. There will also be an opportunity to hear from previous award winners and a chance to ask any questions.
Speakers
- Maria Alcaide, Specialist Critical Care Stepdown Dietitian at University Hospitals of Leicester
More about Maria - I am a Specialist Critical Care Stepdown Dietitian at University Hospitals of Leicester. I graduated from the University of Granada (Spain) and, after moving to the UK, completed an MSc in Advanced Professional Practice in Dietetics at the University of Plymouth.
Since 2021, I have been involved in the development of the Adult Complex Medicine and Critical Care Stepdown Dietetic Services, working with patients with complex needs following intensive care. Alongside this, I have led service evaluations that I have presented at national and international conferences, including Intensive Care Society (SOA) congress, the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN).
Since October 2025, I have been undertaking an NIHR Health and Care Professional Internship at the University of Nottingham, where I have developed research skills and secured a predoctoral fellowship with the Health Advances in Underrepresented Populations and Diseases (HARP) programme at Barts Health NHS Trust. This will begin in October and will explore how best to support patients’ nutritional recovery after intensive care.
Session - In this session, I will present two service evaluations: “Critical Care Outreach Dietetic Service: Enhancing Post-Intensive Care Nutrition Support” and “Nutritional and Functional Recovery Following Nasogastric Tube Removal on Stepdown from the Intensive Care Unit.” I will briefly outline the approach taken, key findings, and implications for practice. I will also reflect on my experience of undertaking this work and submitting it to the Critical Care Specialist Group Research Award.
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Hannah Robinson, Cancer Prehabilitation Lead Dietitian in Cardiff and the Vale.
More about Hannah - I previously worked in a rotational post in the University Hospital of Wales gaining a range of experience within critical care, haematology, A&E, renal and paediatrics.
When I submitted my abstract for the CCSG research award, I was working in critical care and was awarded with the best e-poster presentation prize in 2024.
session - What the project was. How I carried it out. Tips on the process
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Carys Davies, Critical Care Research Dietitian
More about Carys - Carys Davies is the Research Officer of the Critical Care Specialist Group. She is a Critical Care Research Dietitian with a specialist interest in major trauma. She is currently on a secondment working within the critical care trials team at Barts Health NHS Trust. Carys has recently secured NIHR Doctoral Fellowship funding and will begin her PhD in September 2026.
Session - During the webinar, I will provide an overview of the award, including detailed submission guidance and important key dates. I will also share practical tips and insights to support you in preparing a strong and competitive application.
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Ella Terblanch, critical care dietitian and researcher
More about Ella - Ella is a critical care dietitian and researcher with experience in both clinical practice and national professional work. She was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to critical care dietetics, recognising her contribution to advancing practice and professional standards. Alongside her clinical background, she has contributed to national projects including the AHP Critical Care Capability Framework and the dietetics and nutrition support chapters of GPICS v3. She is currently in the second year of her PhD, which focuses on improving nutritional recovery after critical illness.
Session - I will be covering my award-winning abstract from 2025, which was a scoping review exploring barriers, consequences, and nutritional interventions beyond hospital discharge. This was undertaken as part of my programme. Will also reflect on my experiences of applying for the research award.
Cost
- Critical Care Specialist Group member- Free
- BDA member - £5
- Non-BDA member - £10
- Non Critical Care student member - £5
Admin code: SLA
