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 Ascent Cumbria 
 Research and Development Symposium 
 Thursday 14 May at Carlisle Racecourse 

Global thinking; Local impact

Ascent Cumbria, a research and development symposium, will return this year following the success of its first year in 2025.

Don't miss the all-day symposium, funded by our charity, North Cumbria NHS Charity Hospitals.

The free event will bring together leading experts, clinicians, and researchers to explore the latest advancements in healthcare and medical innovation.

Book your place now

Attendees are invited to submit a work abstract for presentation on the day. Abstracts describing original research, literature reviews, quality improvement projects, and clinical innovation will be considered.  

Keynote speakers include:

  • Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of NHS England
  • Sir Michael Marmot, globally renowned epidemiologist and public health advocate
  • Peter Howitt, Managing Director of the Centre for Health Policy and Climate Cares Centre and Lead of the Policy Workstream of the Fleming Initiative at Imperial College London’s Institute of Global Health Innovation.
  • Dr Gail Marzetti, Deputy CEO of the NIHR and Director of Science, Research and Evidence at the Department of Health and Social Care.
  • Mr Vanash Patel, a leading Consultant Colorectal Surgeon based in London and Hertfordshire.

Other speakers and the agenda for the day will be announced in due course.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Abstract submissions

Attendees are invited to submit a work abstract for presentation on the day. Abstracts describing original research, literature reviews, quality improvement projects, and clinical innovation will be considered.  

At least one co-author should work or study in Cumbria, and priority will be given to work undertaken in Cumbria.

By submitting an abstract, you agree to:

  • Attend Ascent Cumbria on the 14th of May 2026 to present your work
  • Provide assurance that all co-authors have agreed to be included and no significant contributor to the work has been excluded, that the work is original, and that ethical approval and patient consent has been obtained when applicable

If you would like a proforma of the abstract form to work on prior to submission, please use the NCIC Ascent 2026 - Abstract Submission Form. Abstracts must be submitted before the deadline of 17th March 2026. Anything after this date will not be accepted.