THE COMMON ROOM 2027 / APPLICATION

TAKE THE FLOOR.

Big ideas. Everyday language. Tell us about your research.
London · June 2027
Apply by 3 January 2027, 11:30pm UK time.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

We’re looking for PhD students, MRes students and early-career researchers whose work has the potential to make a real-world impact.

Based in the United Kingdom
We strongly encourage Black women and other underrepresented researchers to apply
PhD students, MRes students and early-career researchers
Research with the potential to make a real-world impact
Available to attend the in-person London event in June 2027 (exact date to be confirmed) and complete online pre-event training
Submit an original abstract of no more than 250 words and a one-line research tagline in lay terms

RESEARCH AREAS

Life & biomedical sciences
Women’s & public health
Mental health & psychology
Health inequalities
Engineering
Other areas of research with real-world impact

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

An academic panel reviews the abstracts. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a video, from which five finalists will be selected. Finalists will receive online storytelling and presentation training with guest speakers, followed by a final online session with Donna and Dr Abigail Otchere. Only the June 2027 event in London is in person.

We particularly encourage Black women researchers to apply.

THE COMMON ROOM2027 / CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

LET'S HEAR
YOUR IDEA.

Deadline: 3 January 2027, 11:30pm UK time. Training is online; the showcase is in person in London in June 2027. The exact event date will be confirmed.

Fields marked * are required. Your details will be used to review and respond to your application.

FULL NAME *EMAIL ADDRESS *

CURRENT ROLE *INSTITUTION / ORGANISATION *

UK CITY / REGION *RESEARCH DISCIPLINE *

ABSTRACT TITLE * YOUR RESEARCH IN ONE LINE *Explain your research in everyday language for someone outside your field. YOUR ABSTRACT * Include your research question, approach, key findings or insights, and why it matters to a wider audience.0 / 250 words

CAN YOU ATTEND THE EVENT IN LONDON IN JUNE 2027? *

Yes No Need dates to confirm

CAN YOU TAKE PART IN THE ONLINE PRE-EVENT TRAINING? *

Yes No Need dates to confirm

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE COMMON ROOM? I confirm I meet the eligibility criteria above. * I agree that SiSTEM UK may use the information in this application to assess my submission and contact me about The Common Room. *

Please do not include sensitive personal information in your abstract. Your application is not published automatically.

TAKE THE FLOOR.

LET'S HEARYOUR IDEA.

LET'S HEAR
YOUR IDEA.