Research Sandpit
Wednesday 4th November 2026
Join us for the inaugural Pelvic Floor Society Research Sandpit, an event designed to spark high‑quality, collaborative research in faecal incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.
In this free one day meeting the TPFS will bring together clinicians, scientists, allied health professionals, and patient partners to co‑create fundable, impactful research proposals addressing key priorities from the recently published James Lind Alliance Faecal Incontinence Priority Setting Partnership.
The event is free to attend with on-the-day running costs fully supported by the TPFS. We hope that it will mark the beginning of a sustained commitment to strengthening pelvic floor research in the UK - broadening opportunities for competitive grant applications, establishing networks of like-minded individuals and establishing interest in improving care for patients with pelvic floor disorders firmly on the national research agenda.
Why attend?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop research ideas in faecal incontinence aligned with national patient-centred priorities
- Work within multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, physiotherapists, nurse, clinical scientists and members of the public
- Receive mentoring from experienced NIHR-funded researchers and methodologists
- Learn how to craft competitive fundable study proposals
What to expect
The sandpit will run the day before our 2026 annual TPFS meeting and will include:
- An introduction to the 2025 JLA PSP for faecal incontinence
- Structured brainstorming and team-based proposal development
- A guided ‘idea sprint’, covering research questions, feasibility, methodology and PPIE
- Final reject pitches with constructive peer feedback
Who should apply
We welcome applications from individuals with enthusiasm and emerging research experience:
- Gastroenterology and colorectal registrars
- Established and early years consultants
- Physiotherapists, nurses and clinical scientists with an interest in neurogastroenterology and colorectal pelvic floor conditions
How to apply
Spaces are limited to this event and the organising committee will review applications to ensure a balanced multidisciplinary group of interested individuals. Applying is simple!
Apply for the Research Sandpit here >