‘A Winter’s Tale: Pressures, Pathways and the NHS’

CARRii's inaugural annual scientific meeting

On 29 October 2025, CARRii hosted its inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and partners from across the UK for a day of collaboration, discussion and innovation. The event, A Winter’s Tale: Pressures, Pathways and the NHS, focused on the challenges and opportunities surrounding winter pressures and the future of respiratory health.

The meeting featured presentations from lightning speakers, CARRii research leads and invited experts, with sessions covering policy, the NHS, prevention, innovation and decision-making. All sessions shared a unifying aim: shaping the future of respiratory health through evidence, collaboration and actionable insight.

Reflecting on the event, CARRii Director Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh noted:

“The ASM brought together colleagues from across the UK who are committed to finding scalable clinical and policy solutions to the annual winter crisis. The work presented - from vaccination and infection control to risk stratification and clean air initiatives - demonstrates that addressing winter pressures is achievable when we collaborate with purpose.”

CARRii also recognised excellence within the network, congratulating the winners of the presentation and poster competitions:

• Dr Olivia Swann

• Connie Timmins

• Poster Competition Winner: Vanashree Sexton

Connie Timmins, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control at NHS Bath and Somerset, offered this reflection on the meeting:

“Being part of the CARRii network and conference shows how powerful it is when we can truly connect. It is about people coming together with curiosity and courage under a shared purpose to drive meaningful change.”

The event showcased the strength of the CARRii community and set the stage for further collaboration. Planning is already underway for a programme of events in the New Year, continuing CARRii’s mission to accelerate research, innovation and impact in respiratory health.

A sincere thank you is extended to all speakers, contributors, organisers and attendees who made the first Annual Scientific Meeting a success.