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Newsletter: February 2026
Welcome to the February edition of the Children and Young People's Wellbeing @ Exeter Research Network's newsletter
Contents:
NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | RESOURCES
Read on to explore publications from network members, helpful resources, and ways to get involved through events, training and more.
We’d love to highlight your latest projects, publications, events, and opportunities—just send us an email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.
NEWS
CYPW Network Building Connections: External Partner Spotlight
Autumn’s CYPW Network’s Building Connections event launched a Network initiative to grow links with external organisations and explore research partnerships. We are continuing to introduce them via our newsletters. This month introducing Hannah Jones-McVey and the Country Trust.
SPOTLIGHT 4 The Country Trust
For over 40 years, The Country Trust has worked to ensure that children experiencing disadvantage can access high-quality, real-world experiences of farming, food and the natural environment. In the past year alone, we directly supported more than 20,000 primary-aged pupils, alongside tens of thousands more through our digital campaigns and Farm in a Box programme.
Our work sits at the intersection of education, wellbeing and social inequality. We respond to the reality that access to nature is uneven, shaped by complex and overlapping barriers. We are particularly keen to build partnerships that help address gaps in how children’s connection to nature and wellbeing are evidenced — especially in relation to food and farming — though we are open to collaboration in many forms.
With significant longitudinal data demonstrating our impact, we are now focused on turning insight into action that will benefit many more children in the years ahead, including through initiatives such as our Plant Your Pants soil campaign.
To catch up with previous Spotlight’s visit our newsletter archive.
New University of Exeter 2026 UKRI Policy Fellow: Amy Bond
Congratulations to Amy Bond, Postdoctoral Research Fellow within the Children and Young People's Mental Health (ChYMe) Research Collaboration, at the University of Exeter, on being selected as a 2026 UKRI Policy Fellow. As part of the UK Research and Innovation Policy Fellowships programme, Amy will work with Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government to define and measure quality in early childhood education and care in Wales. Fellows are embedded across government and the What Works Network, tackling pressing policy challenges. Over 18 months, they bring cutting-edge evidence into policymaking, strengthening connections between research and public policy for lasting impact.
Parent-led CBT for Young Children at Risk of Anxiety: New Research Published
A new study led by Helen Dodd and colleagues has been published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. This cluster randomised controlled trial evaluated parent-led CBT delivered through online materials and telephone support alongside usual school practice, compared with usual school provision alone, for young children identified through school screening as at risk for anxiety disorders. The findings highlight the potential of accessible, parent-led early interventions to reduce later anxiety problems. The study supports schools as key settings for early identification and timely, scalable mental health support. Read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41711297/
National Clinical Research Career Pathway
UK research funders have unveiled the first national clinical research career pathway, clarifying how clinicians can access funding at every stage – from pre-doctoral training to research independence. Prompted by a 2025 report for the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research warning of declining clinical academic numbers, the initiative responds to concerns about unclear and inflexible career routes. By mapping schemes, identifying gaps and aligning principles, funders aim to strengthen the pipeline of clinical researchers who bridge academia, the NHS and industry. The new framework offers greater transparency, coherence and support for the UK’s future health research leaders. There’s more information here https://www.catch.ac.uk/national-clinical-research-career-pathway/
The Transformative Power of Teaching for Creativity in the Classroom
A three-year national pilot has demonstrated the transformative impact of teaching for creativity across England’s classrooms. The Creativity Collaboratives programme, established following recommendations from the Durham Commission on Creativity and Education and led by Durham University with Arts Council England, brought together eight regional networks involving more than 100 schools. Independently evaluated, the programme found improved pupil engagement, confidence and resilience, alongside renewed teacher enthusiasm and professional growth. With strong leadership and cross-school collaboration central to its success, the report recommends retaining the model with minimal changes for national rollout. A summary report is available here https://doi.org/10.62512/pubs.ed.0002
New data available: MCS Age 23 Sweep
Data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) Age 23 Sweep are now available via the UK Data Service, free for researchers. Covering more than 9,700 participants surveyed between 2023 and 2025, the release offers fresh insight into Generation Z’s transition to adulthood. Topics include education, employment, housing, relationships, identity, mental and physical health, civic participation and risk behaviours. New measures at age 23 explore personality and resilience, financial literacy, fertility intentions, and expectations for life by 30. Visit the Centre for Longitudinal Studies website for full details and documentation.
Exeter Researcher to Shape National Policy on University Admissions
Professor Anna Mountford-Zimdars from the University of Exeter has been awarded a prestigious national fellowship to help make UK university admissions fairer for students from rural and coastal communities.
An international expert in social mobility, Anna has secured a UKRI What Works Innovation Fellowship and will be seconded to Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO), the national evidence hub for higher education policy.
Over 18 months, she will examine “contextualised admissions”, where universities consider a student’s background and barriers alongside exam results. Working between Exeter and London, including with the Department for Education, she aims to strengthen evidence, improve evaluation tools, and ensure talent in Devon has equal opportunity to thrive.
Publication: School-based Mental Health Support for Children with English as an Additional Language
Congratulations to CYPW Network Steering Committee members Katie Howard and Darren Moore on their publication in Frontiers in Education. Their article, School-based mental health support for children with English as an additional language, addresses a timely and important issue, as more than 20% of schoolchildren in England now speak English as an additional language (EAL). Drawing on interviews with Educational Mental Health Practitioners, the study highlights how school-based mental health support can be less accessible and effective for EAL pupils, with key aspects of therapy sometimes “lost in translation.” The authors emphasise the need for greater linguistic flexibility to improve mental healthcare for multilingual children. Read the full report https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/.
Connecting Research and Community: A Health and Wellbeing Collaboration Event
Last summer, Exeter Innovation’s Regional Engagement Team organised a very successful Community Research Showcase Event at Exeter City Football Club, in partnership with Devon Community Foundation and the Health Innovation Network South West’s Research Engagement Network. The event celebrated inspiring examples of community-engaged research and explored new opportunities for connections between academics and non-academic partners.
They are now keen to arrange a follow-on event to facilitate conversations between researchers and voluntary sector organisations working in the broad area of health and wellbeing. Where possible, the event would aim to matchmake partners around shared themes and interests. Please complete this short survey to help shape the event. For more information contact Lindsey Anderson l.j.anderson@exeter.ac.uk (Regional Engagement Manager).
Bringing Children’s Health Research to Life
Fantastic research is taking place at the University of Exeter’s Children’s Health & Exercise Research Centre (CHERC). Using research-grade wearable technology such as GENEActiv, CHERC captures objective measures of physical activity and lifestyle in young people within school settings. This work helps inform how children can stay healthy and strong, influencing national and global health, wellbeing, policy and practice. As part of their commitment to community engagement, CHERC staff have been visiting local schools to help young people move, grow and thrive. Led by Professor Craig Williams, CHERC’s child-centred research working with Exwick Heights Primary School and Reef, shows how exercise uniquely shapes children’s health. Learn more: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/science-of-movement/
Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) Update
An interim evaluation report has been published on the PINS programme, a national pilot supporting neurodivergent pupils in mainstream primary schools. Covering 2024–2025, the evaluation explores how PINS has been implemented, early impacts on schools’ ability to support neurodivergent pupils, and its potential for wider rollout. Evidence was gathered from school staff, practitioners, parent carer representatives and pupils. Early findings highlight the value of closer collaboration between education, health professionals and parent carers, whole-school approaches to SEND, and workforce upskilling. PINS aims to create sustainable, inclusive environments that improve outcomes and help neurodivergent children thrive. Read the report here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/partnerships-for-inclusion-of-neurodiversity-in-schools-pins-interim-evaluation-report
£15.5 Million Boost to Continue South West Health Research Partnership
PenARC, the Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula, has secured £15.5 million in new funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research to continue its work for a further five years. Hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust with the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, PenARC delivers applied health research that improves NHS services and patient outcomes across the South West. The renewed investment will support patient-centred research, strengthen collaboration with communities and services, and help translate innovation into everyday practice locally, nationally and beyond. Read more here https://arc-swp.nihr.ac.uk/news/
Family-Focused Interventions Across DVA, Mental Ill-Health and Substance Misuse Study
A new paper published by Springer Nature, led by Professor Vashti Berry and colleagues, explores which components of family-focused interventions have common impacts across parental domestic violence and abuse (DVA), mental ill-health (MH), and substance misuse (SU). Analysing 164 randomised controlled trials using Intervention Components Analysis, the team found no single component consistently associated with improved outcomes. Interventions addressing multiple issues were less effective for MH and SU than single-issue approaches. The findings highlight the need for better alignment between intervention components and underlying family needs. The full article is here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10935-025-00868-5
We would love to share your news here- please let us know about your publications and awards!
EVENTS
CYPW Network 2026 Seminars
We would like to thank Silvana Mareva who has volunteered to coordinate our network seminars this year! The first of these will be on Wednesday 29th April 12:00-13:00 with Nina Higson-Sweeney. More information will follow shortly.
We also are planning to group some seminars under topics. Please see details below, including who to contact to get involved, or email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk:
Nature, Health and Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Seminars
We are thrilled to announce that the CYPW Network have received funding from the Central Research Networks team to support activity on the topic: Nature, Health and Wellbeing. We know that this is a topic of interest for lots of our network members across many disciplines.
Contributions are warmly welcomed from postgraduate students, early career researchers, and colleagues at all career stages, both within and beyond the University. We hope these seminars will enable network members to build collaborations across the University and with external partners, and to begin developing new ideas for future research funding applications.
If this topic is of particular interest to you and if you have ideas for internal or external speakers (we can cover expenses). Please contact Rosie Jones McVey R.Jones-McVey@exeter.ac.uk.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Seminars
The ACE network Theme leads would like to invite you to share your work in upcoming seminars this year. This can be recent or ongoing research, forthcoming publications, or related activities or projects. It will involve a short presentation of around 15–20 minutes, followed by time for questions and discussion with friendly network members. Contributions welcome from post-graduate students, early career researchers, and colleagues at all career stages. This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, meet others across the University with shared interests, and develop new connections and collaborations.
They are also keen to build momentum within the ACEs theme in the lead-up to the Summer Symposium on Wednesday 24th June 2026. Please get in touch if you would like to get more involved in the Theme (e.g. networking, suggesting events or activities, exploring publication ideas, or developing funding applications).
Theme Leads - Rebecca Georgis (R.Georgis@exeter.ac.uk) Katie Wood (K.M.J.Wood@exeter.ac.uk) and Thomas El-Hoss (T.El-Hoss@exeter.ac.uk)
CYPW Network 2026 Symposium- Save the Date
We’re pleased to invite you to the Children and Young People’s Wellbeing @Exeter Research Network Annual Symposium on Wednesday 24th June 2026 09:00– 15:00 in person only in the Woodbridge Room, Reed Hall, Streatham Campus.
We’ll be in touch soon with more details on how to register and opportunities to get involved. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you have the date in your diary as soon as possible.
This event is open to everyone interested in research on children and young people’s wellbeing—so please share widely with your colleagues, teams and networks.
We look forward to sharing more information with you shortly and hope to see you there!
DBAA–Babcock Research Challenge Event
The Developing Business Aware Academics (DBAA) team is partnering with Babcock to host a half-day research challenge event in Exeter on Monday 2nd March 11:00–14:00, at the Innovation Hub in Exeter. Babcock has identified four research challenges requiring expertise in Mechatronics, Physics, Metallurgy, Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Details are available in one-page PDFs via the event webpage. Open to researchers and PhD students, the free event offers opportunities to network with industry, explore collaborative solutions through facilitated round-table discussions, and develop tangible outcomes. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and the DBAA project can cover travel costs for attending researchers. Visit the event webpage for more information and to sign up.
UK Trauma Council Webinar: Supporting Children Affected by Trauma in Complex Situations
On Thursday 12th March 09:30–11:00 join the Anna Freud Centre to hear Prof. Rachel Hiller, Emma Smale, Dr Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE FRSA h.c and Dr Kate Ward as they explore how cross-sector professionals can work more effectively together to support children in complex situations.Unfortunately, some young people face incredibly difficult circumstances, including abuse, neglect, violence, economic hardship and other adverse
childhood experiences. These challenges can create cycles of inequity, with unmet language, learning, educational and mental health needs, alongside limited access to trusted, safe support. Too often, young people move between professionals across social care, health, education and justice, where stretched services struggle to work in truly joined-up ways.
Book your free place: https://www.annafreud.org/training/courses/webinar
Nature, Health and Well-being CPD Course
You are invited to join this Nature, Health and Well-being CPD Course, a four-day online programme exploring the powerful connections between natural environments and human health. It’s taking place on 16th, 19th, 23rd and 26th March 09:15–13:15 via Zoom. This evidence-based course examines how nature benefits physical and mental wellbeing, why it matters for policy, public health and sustainability, and how you can apply insights in practice. Led by national and international experts from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health. Book now—places are going fast. “Informative, thought-provoking and easy to follow,” delegates say. Perfect for practitioners, researchers and policymakers seeking practical evidence. For more information and to register visit the course webpage.
Researcher Development Training: Planning for Meaningful Public Engagement
Dr Dreolin Fleischer will lead an interactive workshop on public engagement with research for research-active staff, particularly Early Career Researchers and Postgraduate Researchers. Participants will explore why public engagement matters, the types of impacts it can achieve, how to identify and reach audiences, and the benefits for both researchers and the public.
Attendees will work through a planning worksheet using their own research idea, gaining practical skills in designing and evaluating engagement activities.
It’s taking place on Tuesday 24th March in Penryn and Tuesday 12th May online. Find out more and register via the colleague learning and development website.
Solving the SEND Crisis: Reforming the System Webinar
Public Policy Exchange will be hosting a timely webinar, Solving the SEND Crisis: Reforming the System for Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs, on Tuesday 31st March from 09:30–13:00. The event will bring together policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to examine the current state of SEND provision across the UK and explore practical solutions for reform. Sessions will cover government policy, funding sustainability, early intervention, reducing Education Health Care Plan waiting lists and improving multi-agency collaboration. For more information and to register visit https://www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk
EUNETHYDIS Webinar Series 2026: Talk by Prof. Abby Russell
EUNETHYDIS (European Network for ADHD) invites you to a special webinar on Tuesday 7th April 11:30–12:30, delivered online by Abby Russell. The session will explore the evidence base for school-based ADHD interventions, identify key research gaps, and present findings from a feasibility study of the Flex toolkit for children aged 4–10 with impairing ADHD traits. Co-designed using behaviour change principles and Intervention Mapping, Flex was tested in eight primary schools. Findings suggest improved classroom functioning, strong teacher acceptability, and important implementation considerations. Everyone welcome. Event link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f910e09a-7088-4a18-95ad-ca48f1ae056b@3aacbfa7-d794-489f-bae3-23754752f0ae
Fetal & Neonatal Neurology Conference
The inaugural Fetal & Neonatal Neurology Conference, jointly hosted by the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) and the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) will take place on Wednesday 22nd April at the Harris Birthright Centre, Denmark Hill, King’s College Hospital, London.
The event will bring together world-leading experts in perinatal neuroscience, showcasing state-of-the-art clinical practice across fetal and neonatal neurology, alongside presentations of original research.
For more information and to register visit the conference website https://courses.bpna.org.uk/
Save the Date: University of Bristol Think Tank Seminar Series
Join us for a Think Tank Seminar featuring Professor Evie Stergiakouli (University of Bristol), delivered as part of the Big Data Group Seminar, in conjunction with the CYP Wellbeing Network and the Mood Disorders Centre Think Tank Seminar Series. This seminar will take place on Thursday 7th May 12:30–13:30 at the Sir Henry Wellcome Building for Mood Disorders Research, Streatham Campus or online via Zoom Link (Zoom ID: 939 2888 6189 Password: 663481). More information to follow.
CYPW Network and Cleft Collective Collaboration
The CYPW Network are exploring potential collaborations with the Cleft Collective (a cohort study of children born with a cleft lip and/or palate) at the University of Bristol. This links to Professor Evie Stergiakouli’s presentation above, and we plan to arrange a meeting around that time. Please look out for an invitation in the coming months.
Exeter Climate Forum
The University of Exeter is hosting the Exeter Climate Forum from Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July in Exeter, bringing together world-leading climate researchers, businesses, policymakers and young people. Set in the stunning Devon countryside, this week-long forum will focus on shaping priorities for COP31 and beyond through bold ideas, meaningful discussion and engaging social events. Designed to connect, challenge and inspire, the programme offers a unique space for collaboration across sectors. The full 2026 schedule will be announced soon. Visit the website to learn more and sign up for updates: https://exeterclimateforum.com/
Your event would look great here. Just email the details to cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk
OPPORTUNITIES
Introductory Meeting CYPW Network application to UKRI Earlier SEN Intervention Research Call
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched a major new call to improve early identification of special educational needs (SEN). https://www.ukri.org/news/ Announced by Science Minister Patrick Vallance, the SEN Identification and Support Research and Innovation Challenge forms part of the £500 million R&D Missions Accelerator Programme and will explore data-driven tools while ensuring strong safeguarding and ethics.
Our CYPW Network will meet online on Thursday 5th March 10:00–11:00 (via Microsoft Teams Meeting ID: 342 221 936 020 67 Passcode: dx3fZ97M) to discuss a collaborative response. Please complete this short pre-meeting form to outline your expertise and interests. A follow-up in-person session will be arranged once further details are released. Please email cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk if you have any questions.
CYPW Network and Cleft Collective Collaboration
The CYPW Network is exploring potential collaborations with the Cleft Collective (a cohort study of children born with a cleft lip and/or palate) based at the University of Bristol. This work links closely to Professor Evie Stergiakouli's forthcoming presentation at the Psychology Big Data/Think Tank seminar on Thursday 7th May (see details above). We plan to arrange a meeting around this time to discuss potential collaboration opportunities—please look out for an invitation in the coming months.
ESRC Funded training opportunity: Research into Civic Impact Training Programme
Applications are open for the Bridging the Gap Research into Civic Impact training programme. It’s designed to help academics turn their research into REF-eligible impact that engages industry, influences government and drives lasting civic change. Open to University of Exeter academic colleagues at PhD level and above, with research within the remit of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the programme offers practical support to maximise the reach and relevance of your work. Apply via Microsoft Forms by 12pm on Friday 27th February. Use these links for full training programme specification and application form available online.
Research Assistant – BERA SEND Access to Early Childhood, School of Education, University of Exeter
The British Education Research Association-funded project on Supporting Families of Children with SEND to Access Early Childhood Education and Care is seeking a Research Assistant to support a short-term qualitative synthesis study focused on transcript preparation, framework-guided thematic analysis using NVivo, and the production of research summaries. Applicants should have a related degree, strong qualitative analysis skills, and experience working with interview data. Background in SEND and/or early years is desirable.
This is a fixed-term, casual research assistant role . It is available immediately and expected to run until the end of May 2026. The role will remain open until filled.
For more information, please contact: Angeliki Kallitsoglou a.kallitsoglou@exeter.ac.uk
How Does Daily Physical Activity Relate to Adolescents Affect? Study Volunteers Needed
Secondary schools in Devon are being invited to take part in a research study that examines how the timing, frequency, and intensity of physical activity are related to adolescents’ affect. For seven days, pupils from Years 7–11 are invited to wear a wrist accelerometer and complete a brief survey about their mood five times a day via a smartphone app.
The study is being conducted by the principal investigator, Dr Lisa Price, and research associate, Dr Ana Morano. Two schools have completed the data collection to date, and more are needed to complete the study.
If you are connected to a school in Devon who might be interested in getting involved, or hearing more, please get in touch via email (A.Von-Ah-Morano-Filitto@exeter.ac.uk) to arrange a meeting. Thank you.
HOP Growing Wellbeing Through Nature in Exeter Schools
The Happiness Outdoors Project (HOP) is a small Exeter-based Community Interest Company working with primary schools across the city. Each week, they deliver outdoor sessions on school grounds during the school day, helping small groups of children build meaningful connections with nature in support of their mental health and wellbeing.
Ongoing monitoring consistently shows the powerful, positive impact nature connection has on children. It also highlights the importance of inclusive, school-day access so all pupils— including those with individual educational needs can fully participate.
HOP is keen to share and discuss their learning and data collected and ideas for potential research collaborations. For questions or ideas, please email happinessoutdoorsproject@gmail.com or visit their website www.happinessoutdoorsproject.org
Researchers from Newcastle University Need Your Help
Newcastle University researchers are seeking input from autistic individuals living with bipolar who have experienced, or are approaching, the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). There are currently no studies exploring how this transition can be most effective for this group. Your responses will help shape the first study of its kind and assess interest and relevance for future research. Participation is anonymous, and results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Please complete the survey if applicable and share the link with your contacts. Thank you: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx
Clinical Psychologist Vacancy: Digital Therapeutic Interventions for CYP
Biofeedback (BFB) Labs, a social enterprise combining clinical expertise and digital innovation, is hiring a part-time, flexible Clinical Lead. The role, ideal for a registered Clinical Psychologist (HCPC), focuses on ensuring the clinical integrity and real-world effectiveness of digital therapeutic interventions for children and young people. Responsibilities include safeguarding, evaluating impact, guiding cross-functional teams, and being the clinical voice across the organisation. BFB Labs offers flexible and hybrid working, a female-led, diverse culture, and the chance to influence award-winning, NICE-recommended products. Applications, including a CV and brief note, are open until Sunday 1st March via manjul.rathee@bfb-labs.com.
British Dyslexia Association Research Invitation to Tender
The British Dyslexia Association is seeking to commission research exploring the experiences of adults with dyslexia across England. This project will examine the challenges adults face in daily life and the workplace, the support they receive, and the changes they would like to see. The commissioned researchers will deliver a representative national survey enabling sub-group analysis, alongside qualitative research capturing lived experiences, unmet needs, and opportunities to improve support and awareness.
The closing date is Monday 2nd March. For more information and to apply click here https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about/research/young-people-research-invitation-to-tender-2
8th International Youth Mental Health Conference: Call for Abstracts
The International Association for Youth Mental Health has opened the Call for Abstracts for the 8th International Youth Mental Health Conference, taking place 23rd – 27th November in Dublin, Ireland. International Youth Mental Health Conference will explore strengthening youth mental health systems, elevating diverse voices, and driving action across research, practice, policy and lived experience. Submissions are welcomed from researchers, clinicians, young advocates, policy-makers and community innovators. The deadline for submissions is Friday 27th March, with early review by Friday 13th March for visa-required presenters. Further details and how to apply are here https://mailchi.mp/iaymh/call-for-abstracts
Nominate your project for the Knowledge Exchange Awards
Do you work with external partners to create positive change? Have you contributed to real‑world impact through collaboration, innovation, or community engagement? If so, now’s the perfect moment to showcase your achievements by nominating your project for the Knowledge Exchange Awards. Applying is a straightforward way to highlight the incredible work you’re already doing as well as an opportunity to gain recognition, raise your profile, and evidence impact for future funding or promotion. All shortlisted nominees will receive a professionally produced 30-second video about their project and be invited to celebrate at the gala awards dinner - a chance to network with fellow academics and business partners. Winners will take home a coveted Knowledge Exchange Award trophy. The Awards are open to colleagues at any career stage - to be in with a chance, apply by Wednesday 8th April. Nominate now
Huo family foundation - new funding call
Huo Family Foundation (HFF) has launched the second funding call of its Science Programme, offering up to £6M (~$8.1M) for multi-year research on the effects of digital technology on brain development, social behaviours and mental health in children and young people. UK- and US-based researchers can apply for Huo Early-career Fellowships and Junior Faculty Grants. HFF seeks ambitious, innovative projects exploring how digital technologies shape the developing brain, mind and behaviour. The deadline is Friday 1st May with decisions in November 2026 and projects starting January 2027. Applications are now open via the HFF online grants portal.
Immersive Technologies in Sport and Exercise Conference- Abstract Submission Open
The Exeter Immersive Research Network invites researchers, practitioners, and students to the Immersive Technologies in Sport and Exercise Conference on Monday 20th July 09:30–16:30 at North Cloisters 12, St Luke’s Campus. This free, day-long event explores the cutting-edge intersection of virtual reality and sport and exercise science. The keynote will be delivered by Oliver Runswick (King’s College London), titled New solutions to old problems? The potential of immersive technology in sport and exercise. Lunch is provided. Oral and poster abstracts by Friday 15th May- Call for Abstracts. Registration is required via EventBrite. Organiser: Dr Gavin Buckingham (University of Exeter)
New Course: Leading Educational Equity – From Principles to Practice
In a time of growing inequalities, school leaders are seeking practical ways to improve outcomes for pupils from under-resourced backgrounds. This new two-day, in-person course on Thursday 15th October 2026 and Thursday 11th March 2027, Leading Educational Equity: From Principles to Practice, is led by the UK’s first Professor of Social Mobility, Lee Elliot-Major OBE, alongside Anne-Marie Sim and Beth Brooks, co-authors of the Equity Scorecard.
Designed for school leaders ready to move from equity intent to implementation, the course combines research-informed insight, real-world case studies and practical planning. Participants will develop an actionable Equity Leadership Plan tailored to their own context.
Find out more and register here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/faculties/hass/education/cpd/equity-leadership/.
DBAA call for case studies
The University of Exeter's Developing Business Aware Academics project is seeking researchers to feature in their national case study series. The series highlights inspiring researchers discussing their careers and sharing tips on how they engage beyond academia to transform their research into action. While not all case studies are shared publicly, all case study transcripts form part of the DBAA project evidence base and are analysed to answer specific research questions, for example about the characteristics and backgrounds of academics that successfully engage beyond academia. If you know a researcher who would be a great fit – or if you’d like to take part yourself – please contact DBAA@exeter.ac.uk with ‘Case study’ in the subject line and include brief details about the nominee’s research engagement with non-academic organisations. More information can be found https://business-aware-academics.org/news/researcher-case-studies-opportunity/
Call for Papers Open: Centre for Longitudinal Studies Conference 2026
The call for papers for the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) Conference is now open. Researchers from all disciplines, sectors, and career stages are invited to submit work using data from at least one CLS cohort study, including the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development, 1958 National Child Development Study, 1970 British Cohort Study, Next Steps, Millennium Cohort Study, and newer cohorts such as Children of the 2020s. Submissions combining CLS data with other sources are welcome. The conference will take place on 22nd –23rd September at the Hallam Conference Centre, London. The paper submission deadline is Wednesday 8th April. Conference registration will open in Spring 2026—watch the conference website for updates.
NIHR Public Health Research: Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls – Funding Opportunity
The NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme invites applications to evaluate community interventions supporting female survivors of domestic abuse and mitigating physical and mental health impacts. This two-stage funding call closes for outline applications on Tuesday 21st April at 13:00. Awards will support research that addresses health inequalities, targets underserved populations, and assesses scalable, effective interventions. Studies may include multi-agency, community, early intervention, workplace, or digital initiatives, with robust evaluation of health outcomes and economic value. For guidance and applications visit the NIHR website.
Register Your Interest: MHR Incubator Programmes 2026
Sign up now to be notified when applications open for the 2026 Mental Health Research (MHR) Incubator programmes. Opportunities include GROW 2026, supporting early career researchers through a residential, coaching, and skills workshops; PeCo 2026, developing coaching skills for emerging research leaders; the Fellowship Application/Grant Writing Retreat, offering focused time, expert feedback, and senior academic input; and the Paper Writing Retreat, designed to help you progress and publish your next manuscript.
Visit the MHR Website to express your interest and be first to hear when applications go live.
Call for Papers: Special Issue on Off-time Puberty and Child & Adolescent Psychopathology
The Journal of Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology invites submissions to a new Special Issue, “Off-time Puberty and Child and Adolescent Psychopathology: Conceptualization and Assessment, Etiology and Outcomes,” edited by Drs. Jennifer Allen, Carol Joinson, and Cassandra Lowe. This Special Issue aims to advance understanding of how early or late pubertal timing relates to mental health in children and young people. Submissions are welcomed of conceptual reviews and empirical studies—quantitative or qualitative—that examine biopsychosocial mechanisms linking pubertal timing and psychopathology, including variation by gender, socioeconomic disadvantage, poverty, and cultural context. The Special Issue is now live and open for submissions- deadline: Tuesday 11th August. More information: https://link.springer.com/collections/hjcihabbai. For queries, contact Dr. Cassandra Lowe c.lowe4@exeter.ac.uk
Call for Speakers: Pint of Science 2026- Beautiful Mind
Pint of Science returns for 2026 from Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th May, with this year’s theme, Beautiful Mind. The international science communication festival brings cutting-edge research out of the lab and into local pubs, making science accessible, engaging and fun. The Pint of Science team is now seeking enthusiastic researchers to share their work with the public. If your research explores neuroscience, psychology, cognition, behaviour, emotions, mental health or perception, we want to hear from you. Love sharing science in a relaxed, pub-style setting? Sign up now via this form: https://forms.office.com/pages/
Funding Opportunity – Exeter Open Innovation Link Fund
Applications are now open for the Open Innovation Link Fund, supporting the translation of existing research into new or improved products, services, policies and practice. Open to all academic staff, the fund is ideal for short-term, small-scale activities such as workshops, meetings, translating findings, developing frameworks, or building knowledge exchange networks. Projects can run for up to six months, with awards of up to £5,000 available. All projects must be completed and funds spent by Friday 31st July. The scheme aims to create links with new external organisations or develop innovative engagement with existing partners. See full guidance under Translational Funding.
Do you have Opportunities for Internships and Projects?
The Network are often approached by PhD students and others seeking relevant internships or project opportunities. If you have any opportunities available—either short-term, research-based, or practical—we’d love to hear from you. We can share them directly with students or add them to our newsletter. If you're able to offer any opportunities, please contact us at cypwellbeing@exeter.ac.uk.
Let the world know you're a member of the CYP Wellbeing @ Exeter Research Network: Label your Profile
As a member of the CYP Wellbeing Network you can update your university profile to add a ‘label’ which shows that you are a member. Adding this label will provide you with increased visibility (internally and externally) as an Exeter Research Network member, as it will enable your profile to be shared on the network’s online membership lists and search tools.
Adding a network label is quick and easy and there are instructions here. Please note that this label is not linked to your communications preferences for the network, and will not be removed if you unsubscribe from mailing lists.
Showcase Network Support: Tag CYPW Network in WorkTribe
If your project benefits from your membership of this network, for example through funding, advice, collaboration, or engagement, tagging Exeter Research Networks in Worktribe highlights the network's value, leading to more support and growth, ensures recognition and further strengthens the network's capacity to assist its members.
This is very simple to do and will enable us to track the bids and projects which may arise directly or indirectly as a result of network membership. Very brief guidance is available here. Thank you.
RESOURCES
Pioneering Research to Prevent and Treat Mental Health Issues in our Young People
One in five children and young people in the UK has a probable mental health issue, according to the Mental Health of Children and Young People 2023 survey, co-led by the University of Exeter. The team are leading the way in developing innovative prevention and intervention approaches, alongside expanding and training the mental health workforce. From identifying early triggers and strengthening childhood resilience to pioneering treatments for adolescents with clinical diagnoses, this research is delivering practical, evidence-based solutions to help reverse this mental health emergency. Hear more here Reversing the Youth Mental Health Crisis and more about specific projects here https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/child-mental-health/
Eating Disorder Services for Children and Young People: National Guidance
New national guidance from NHS England sets out how integrated care boards (ICBs) and providers should design collaborative, joined-up eating disorder services for children and young people (CYP). The guidance prioritises early intervention, helping CYP access support before disordered eating becomes more severe. It calls for services that are easier to access, delivered closer to home, and responsive to the needs of families and carers. By strengthening local pathways and partnership working, the guidance aims to improve outcomes, reduce delays, and ensure consistent, high-quality care across all areas. Read more here https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/eating-disorder-services
Furthering Community Connections Across the Region
Civic University Agreements (CUAs) are formal partnerships between the University and local anchor institutions that support regional priorities in health, wellbeing, and education. Exeter now has three CUAs with Exeter, Cornwall, and Devon & Torbay, each of which focuses on co-designed action plans to address shared societal challenges.
As part of the Devon County Civic University Agreement’s Thriving Futures for Young People strand of work, the team are currently mapping University of Exeter research against the Devon County Council (DCC)’ s new Brighter Futures Strategy which aims to increase the number of young people in education, employment or training across the county. The Thriving Futures for Young People network includes representatives from across DCC, UoE, Exeter College and the VCSE sector. If you would like to join this network, with a view of doing research together, or putting evidence into practice, please contact Lindsey Anderson (Regional Engagement manager).
Engaging Young Adults with Mental Health Challenges: A Clinician’s Guide
A guide has been developed to help adult mental health clinicians better engage young adults aged 18–25yrs who are newly accessing services or transitioning from child and adolescent mental health services. Co-developed with young people with lived experience, the guide highlights practical strategies to improve engagement at a critical stage, when many first-episode mental health conditions emerge but service use is often low. The manual aims to offer a clear overview of key approaches and resources. It is designed to support reflection, supervision and discussion across teams and agencies. Read the full manual here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/young-adults-mental-health-clinicians-guide#page/1
Early Life Cohort Feasibility Study
Between April 2021 and December 2024, the Early Life Cohort Feasibility Study explored how best to sample and recruit families for a future UK-wide birth cohort. Led by the University College London (UCL) Centre for Longitudinal Studies and delivered by Ipsos, the study gathered rich data on babies’ early environments, health and development. A new data release from the Age 9–10 Months Sweep is now available through the UK Data Service. Briefing papers outlining findings from both the survey component and small-scale field tests highlight key lessons that will inform planning for a full national birth cohort study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Find out more about the new data from the UCL website.
Planning for Meaningful Public Engagement SharePoint Resources
A new SharePoint page planning for meaningful public engagement, is now available to support researchers in shaping impactful public engagement. The page walks you through 10 key questions to help you clarify your aims, identify audiences and partners, and plan activities with purpose. Public engagement is a two-way process that enhances research by incorporating public insights while offering communities meaningful benefits. The page explores motivations, potential impacts, routes to reach participants, and how engagement connects to wider societal issues. It also highlights practical tools, including logic models and evaluation approaches, to strengthen your engagement ideas.
Discover the Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub
The Exeter Innovation Ideas Hub is a dedicated SharePoint site designed to support academics at any career stage with Knowledge Exchange (KE) and Business Engagement (BE). Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen existing partnerships, the Hub offers guidance
on applying your research beyond academia and working effectively with businesses, government bodies, charities, and NGOs.
Explore the Business Engagement Toolkit and access a wide range of Training, events and resources to support your KE journey. Visit the Ideas Hub to find out more and start building impactful external collaborations. Gemma Mendham is our CYPW Network Exeter Innovation team link and is happy to answer questions.
Funding for Impact, Grant Applications and Beyond
Funding for Impact: Grant Applications and Beyond, is an Impact Essentials training resource from the Impact@Exeter team.
This 70-minute training, delivered in bite-sized sections, explores the impact funding landscape, strategies for securing funds, and tips for writing compelling, impact-focused proposals. It also dispels common funding myths and highlights how to include evaluation and evidence activities.
Perfect for all career stages, this flexible resource is designed for self-paced learning. Access the training and resources here on the Impact@Exeter area of the RIME SharePoint site.
Guidance on Research Dissemination Available on RIME
Practical resources are now available on RIME to support effective research dissemination. The guidance offers tutorials, tips, and tools to help you plan strategies that ensure your work reaches the right audiences. Content includes a pre-publication checklist, advice on using academic networks, social media, and engagement events, plus guidance on creating impactful materials such as infographics. It also highlights approaches for engaging policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.
Effective dissemination boosts research visibility, strengthens academic profiles, supports funding bids, and builds collaborations. Access the resource here: Research Dissemination on RIME.
Explore PIVOT-RP: get personalised alerts for research funding opportunities
Research funding opportunities can be found on Pivot-RP. As part of ongoing work to develop university-wide support two curated Pivot-RP searches have been set up for fellowship applicants and active fellows that can be readily accessed and tailored to individual's needs. Guidance on how to do this can be found on the RIME Sharepoint site.
As part of adopting Pivot-RP the implementation team want to understand how colleagues are using the database and usefulness of it for their research work.
Discover Exeter-facing Funding Opportunities with Funding Finder
Funding opportunities can also be found using the Funding Finder platform developed by Andy Cunliffe at the University of Exeter, which signposts hundreds of funding opportunities for research, fieldwork, conferences, and exchanges, relevant to individuals at all levels from undergraduates to senior academics. With thousands of easily searchable listings of awards from £100 to £10 million, it's designed to support global collaboration and research engagement. Please use it and share it with your networks. Over 4,600 users from 99 countries have used the tool and more awards are being added frequently.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Find out more about the Children and Young People's @ Exeter Wellbeing Network.
