Join us for the UK Concussion Conference, where we’ll dive into the challenges faced in the world of concussion and upcoming opportunities and collaborations to support innovation and drive national change.
Whether you’re a healthcare or sports professional, researcher, innovator, or just interested in concussion, this event is for you!
Please see the full programme and event details below.
Hear from experts in concussion and public health as well as policy makers; engage in thought-provoking discussions; and network with like-minded individuals.
Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. Book your place now using the link below!
UK Concussion Conference 2025
"Pathway Challenges and Innovation Opportunities"
Arrival and Networking
Registration and coffee. Connect with peers and presenters.
| Morning Sessions
09:15 - 09:20
Welcome from the Chair
Professor Peter Hutchinson
Honorary Director, NIHR Brain Injury HRC
09:20 - 09:30
The Lived Experience
Dr Ben Jones
Sports and Exercise Scientist
09:30 - 09:40
The Clinical Vision
Professor Peter Hutchinson
Honorary Director, NIHR Brain Injury HRC
Keynote Address: Prioritising Evidence Based Change
Professor Lucy Chappell
DHSC Chief Scientific Adviser and NIHR Chief Executive Officer
Session 1: Sporting Regulations
10:00 - 10:45Facilitated by Professor Peter Hutchinson.
Guest Talks & Q&A with Chief Medical Officers:
- Dr Charlotte Cowie – The Football Association
- Professor Simon Kemp – Rugby Football Union
- Professor Nick Pierce MBE – England and Wales Cricket Board
- Dr Jerry Hill – British Horseracing Authority
- Dr Paul Trafford – Motorsport UK
Session 2: NHS Pathways: National Commissioning Priorities
11:00 - 11:45Facilitated by Dr Alexis Joannides, Co-Director, NIHR Brain Injury HRC.
Panel Discussion Guests:
- Professor Antonio Belli (Consultant Neurosurgeon)
- Professor Virginia Newcombe (Consultant in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine)
- Professor David Sharpe (Honorary Consultant Neurologist)
- Dr Naomi Deakin (Manager, NHS East of England Neurosurgery Network)
Session 3: Innovation Landscape & Ecosystem Opportunities
11:45 - 12:45Facilitated by Dr Ian Newington, Innovation Lead, NIHR Brain Injury HRC.
Guest Speaker Professor Mark Wilson OBE, 'Biomarkers, Imaging and Remote Assessment'
Panellists:
- Dr Bethan Davies (MRC Neurosciences)
- Dr Philip Woodgate (MOD Research)
- Ms Katherine Freeman (EPSRC Healthcare Technologies)
- Professor Niina Kolehmainen (NIHR Innovation Observatory)
- Dr Natalie Owen (NIHR Infrastructure)
- Professor Mike Lewis (NIHR Innovations)
- Dr Chris Rowe (Innovate UK Medical Technology)
- Dr Nev Young (NHS Health Innovation Network)
- Dr Tamsin Holland Brown (NHS Clinical Entrepreneurs Programme)
12:45 - 13:45
Lunch & Networking Break
| Afternoon Sessions
Session 4: Unmet Needs - A Deep Dive Across the Pathway
13:45 - 14:30Facilitated by Mr James Piercy, Involvement and Inclusion Lead.
Panellists
- Professor Julie Mytton (Prevention & Education)
- Dr Krystyna Walton (Rehabilitation and Restoration)
- Dr Alexis Joannides (Diagnostics)
- Dr Virginia Newcombe (Acute Care and Monitoring)
Session 5: Collaboration for Innovation
14:30 - 15:30Open Space Discussions: Participants will select a group in advance to tackle key challenges:
- Private provision and professional athletes – what can be learnt from non-NHS services?
- Injury identification – improving coding and recording of concussive injuries.
- Translational work across settings (Educational Institutes, Primary care, etc) – a cross-system collaboration.
- Education and awareness strategies – what has worked?
UK Concussion Network Re-imagined
15:45 - 16:00
Closing Remarks: Concussion Beyond Sport
16:00 - 16:30
Drinks Reception & Networking
Continue the discussion and make new connections.
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