2026: we will be stronger together

Happy New Year! I hope you got what you needed from the festive period.

And now we’re back. Or at least, we’re supposed to be. Everywhere is full of New Year’s resolutions and suggested diet and exercise regimes. But with still less than 8 hours of daylight each day (in Birmingham) and plenty of leftover Christmas chocolate, the temptation to continue to hibernate is high.

So who can help us look forward to 2026? And that’s the key question: who? Our communities are critical, and this is definitely true in research. If a new year is a good time to reflect and look forward, then it’s a great time to think about the people around us and how we can consolidate the support, collaboration and new perspectives our relationships with them can provide.

For 2026, therefore, resolve (if that’s your thing) to nurture your relationships and your community. Strengthen the connections you already have. Create opportunities to build new connections, particularly with those who will bring with them new ways of thinking. Share your research experiences with peers and colleagues to help them navigate similar challenges or to explore alternative approaches you might take. Think about how you can support others in your research community. You may be surprised at the mutual benefits that arise, immediately and in future.

We are stronger together. Take on 2026 with people by your side.