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Research Symposium

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Research is at the heart of the dietetic profession—driving innovation, shaping practice, and strengthening the evidence that underpins everything we do.

The Symposium is your opportunity to be part of that progress. Whether you’re a dietitian, student, or researcher, it’s a platform to share your work, spark new ideas, and showcase the impact of dietetics in action. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the profession’s growing evidence base, with selected work published in the BDA Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (JHND).

Abstract submissions for 2026 will open shortly, with successful submissions presented on Wednesday 2 December in Birmingham.

We’ve updated our submission guidance for 2026—join us at our upcoming webinar to learn more. The first session in the series, Research Skills: Top Tips for Writing an Abstract, will take place on Monday 8 June, 12:30–1:30pm.

Can't attend live? Register to receive the recording 

Be the first to know—complete your details below to receive an email when abstract submissions open.

Cost for 2026

Abstract submission fees are as below, registration to attend will open in early September.

  • BDA Member: £78.00
  • Non-member: £110.00

Please review the booking terms and conditions before submitting 

For any queries, please contact [email protected].

2026 event sponsored by 

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What happened last year? 

2025 Research Symposium was held on Wednesday 3 December in Birmingham.  Over 225 attendees witnessed an incredible showcase of innovation and expertise at this year's Research Symposium. The fast-paced day provides a dynamic platform for students and practising dietitians to share their research and gain recognition from their peers.  Catch up on what happened during the day including the 21 stream best abstracts.

Event Sponsored by

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FAQs

Who can present?

Anyone who is researching in the field of dietetics and human nutrition is invited to submit their abstract to the symposium. 

We welcome students, new graduates, practising clinical dietitians and dedicated researchers, as well as non-dietitians, to present and attend. The Symposium is for all members of the dietetic workforce.

Previous attendees include those taking their first steps in research, presenting their student research projects alongside MRes, PhD and clinical dietitians’ projects. The event will enable dietitians to showcase their research and practice, and participate in workshops to develop their skills.

We've been delighted to welcome to previous symposiums:

  • dietitians who have completed research from Masters Dissertation, MRes, or other higher degrees
  • researchers involved in a dietetic research area
  • dietitians involved in research programmes
  • dietitians who have undertaken an audit or evaluation of practice
  • dietitians working in clinical practice
  • student dietitians who have recently completed their final year dissertation projects

Research Streams

Each year, we showcase a diverse range of work across multiple streams. In 2026, you can be part of one of our 22 main streams—covering a wide breadth of topics and interests. We encourage submissions from all areas, and no abstract will be rejected based on theme. Please select the stream that best fits your work when submitting. Our review team may suggest moving your abstract to another stream. 

* Bursaries available in these streams - find out more in the funding opportunity section. 

  1. Clinical Nutrition, including malnutrition
  2. Critical Care - supported by Critical Care Specialist Group
  3. Cystic Fibrosis - supported by Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Group *
  4. Diabetes - supported by Diabetes Specialist Group *
  5. Education Stream including Practice based learning 
  6. First Contact Dietitians - Evidence from Practice - supported by First Contact Dietitians Specialist Group *
  7. Food Allergy - supported by Food Allergy Specialist Group *
  8. Food Services - supported by Food Services Specialist Group * 
  9. Gastroenterology - supported by the Gastroenterology Specialist Group * 
  10. Healthy ageing, frailty and older adults - supported by the Older People Specialist Group * 
  11. Mental Health, Eating Disorders and Learning Disabilities - supported by Mental Health Specialist Group * 
  12. New to Research, including MRes and PhD research - sponsored by Nutricia 
  13. Nutrition Support - supported by PENG Specialist Group * 
  14. Obesity - supported by Obesity Specialist Group *
  15. Oncology - supported by Oncology Specialist Group * 
  16. Optimising Nutrition Prescribing - supported by Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group  *                                                                                                                          Research on the prescription of nutritional borderline substances including prescribing improvements (cost and quality), safety, governance and professionalism.
  17. Paediatric – supported by Paediatric Specialist Group * 
  18. Public Health Dietetics - supported by Public Health Specialist Group - bursaries to be confirmed 
  19. Renal Nutrition - support by Kidney Dietitian Specialist Group * 
  20. Service Evaluation 
  21. Supplementary Prescribing (Medicines) - supported by Prescribers Sub-Group *   Showcasing the latest research in the field of dietetic supplementary prescribing. Exploring the role and impact of dietetic prescribers in practice, and supporting our case for independent prescribing.
  22. Women's Health and Fertility Nutrition - supported by Women's Health and Fertility Nutrition Specialist Group - bursaries to be confirmed 

 

How to submit your abstract

1. Prepare your abstract in line with the guidance

We have written guidance about how to prepare your abstract for submission. Please follow the layout instructions carefully as abstracts submitted in an incorrect format will be returned.

The abstracts are reviewed anonymously using the reviewers guidance and scoring. The abstract submission process is open to everyone – no abstract is rejected based on topic.  

All submissions are reviewed anonymously. You must upload two versions of your abstract: 

  • one anonymised version (without author names or affiliations)
  • one full version (including author details and affiliations)

2. Submit your abstract using the online booking system and upload your submission.

  • Review the available research streams and submit your abstract to your chosen stream via the online system. Streams will remain open until 10am on Tuesday 4 August. Extension requests may be considered. 
  • Set your abstract up for success—complete the checklist to ensure it meets all submission requirements.
  • Please note: all submissions are reviewed anonymously. You must upload two versions of your abstract: 
    • one anonymised version (without author names or affiliations)
    • one full version (including author details and affiliations)

If you experience any issues with the online booking system, please contact [email protected].

Next steps

1. Following submission you will receive an automated confirmation confirming receipt of your submission.

2. Your abstract will be sent for initial review - if this is rejected based on referencing, ethics etc you will be given one week to make the required changes.

3. Your abstract will be sent for peer review

3. In September, following review, you will be advised whether your abstract has been accepted or rejected and whether any amendments are necessary. Any required amendments will be communicated to you. Should your abstract be rejected, you will also receive feedback. 

4. You will be provided a time frame to return your abstract with any amendments. You are normally given two weeks to re-submit.

5. Start to prepare your three slide powerpoint presentation.

Deadline for submission of slides is Wednesday 11 November. You will be allocated five minutes to present and an additional two minutes for Q&A. Slides should be in 16:9 format.

6. Attend the day and enjoy!

Financial support

The GET Trustees have established funding to support BDA members attending conferences and events. Please submit your application form and abstract at least three weeks before the relevant Trustee meeting to allow time for review.

Some BDA Specialist Groups also offer bursaries to help cover attendance costs. These are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are paid after the abstract has been presented.

Confirmed bursaries for 2026 

  • Cystic Fibrosis - 6 x £50.00 bursaries for Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Group members (bursary to go towards registration fee)
  • Diabetes - 10 x £100 bursaries for Diabetes Specialist Group members (bursary to cover registration fee and towards travel)
  • First Contact - 5 x £200 bursaries for First Contact Specialist Group members (bursary to cover registration fee, towards travel/accommodation)
  • Food Allergy - 5 x bursaries for Food Allergy Specialist Group members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Food Services - 3 x bursaries for Food Services Specialist Group members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Gastroenterology Stream - 10 x bursaries for Gastroenterology Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Healthy ageing, frailty and older adults - 4 x bursaries for Older People Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Mental Health, Eating Disorders and Learning Disabilities Stream - 10 x bursaries for Mental Health Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Nutrition Support Stream - 10 x £120 bursaries for PENG Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee and towards travel)
  • Obesity - 8 x bursaries for Obesity Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Oncology – 10 x bursaries for Oncology Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Optimising Nutrition Prescribing - 5 x bursaries for Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Paediatric - 10 x bursaries for Paediatric Specialist Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)
  • Renal Nutrition - 10 x £100 bursaries open to any BDA member with a renal specific topic (inc. student members, non-renal dietitian BDA members) (bursary to cover registration fee and towards travel)
  • Supplementary Prescribing (Medicines) - 5 x bursaries for Prescribers Sub-Group Members (bursary to cover registration fee)

 

Please select the appropriate ticket type based on your bursary or stream.

If you are applying for a bursary, no payment is required at the time of booking. However, the abstract submission fee will be charged in line with the terms and conditions if you withdraw or do not present on the day.

If your abstract is not accepted, your registration will be cancelled at no cost.

Bursaries are conditional on presenting your abstract live at the event. Eligible costs will be reimbursed after the event has taken place.

What happens on the day?

Alongside abstract presentations, the day also features inspiring insights from leading dietitians working at the forefront of research. Previous speakers have included Dr Miranda Lomer, Dr Danni Bear, Dr Gary Frost, Dr Clare Pettinger, Professor Mary Hickson, Maria Barrett, Sally Abbott and many more.

We’ve also hosted popular breakfast sessions with organisations such as Quorn Foods, the California Walnut Board Yakult and PrecisionBiotics—providing an opportunity to start the day with valuable discussion and networking.

The day is expected to run from 9:15am to 4:30pm, with an optional breakfast session starting at 8:15am. The 2026 breakfast session will be delivered by Symprove, with further details to follow.

Please note that timings may vary depending on the number of abstracts presented. Final programme details will be shared with attendees once confirmed.

 

We believe most (if not all) of our members are currently undertaking research, whether they are in traditional research settings or in practice.

Research can be defined as 'the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions'

The symposium aims to:

  • Provide a forum for the presentation of research findings and methods in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
  • Foster collaboration between researchers within the dietetic profession.
  • Identify and share effective interventions and practice within the key topics of the symposium.
  • Stimulate an increase in the quantity and quality of research in dietetics and nutrition.
  • Promote dietitians as leaders in the field of nutrition and dietetic research.