The MedComms Networking Spring Event 2026 brought together professionals, students, freelancers, and aspiring communicators for a day of insight, discussion, and practical learning at the University of Birmingham. With attendees joining both in person and online, the event reflected the increasingly connected and evolving nature of modern medical communications.Across the day, speakers explored the future of MedComms from multiple angles — including strategy, regulatory communications, paediatric writing, nutraceuticals, slide design, collaboration, leadership, and career development. The result was a rich programme that combined technical expertise with real-world advice and personal reflection.If you missed the event — or would like to revisit your favourite sessions — you can now watch the talks on demand below.

 

🌟 Overall Themes from the DaySeveral key themes emerged across the programme:Medical communicators are no longer “just writers” — they are strategic partners, storytellers, translators, and leadersStrong science alone is not enough; alignment, clarity, and communication are essentialHuman skills such as empathy, confidence, collaboration, and emotional intelligence matter more than everThe future of MedComms is increasingly cross-functional, digital, and audience-centredGreat meetings and presentations depend on relevance, engagement, and authenticity

 

🎤 Session 1: The Professional World of Science Communication and Who Lives ThereSteven WalkerThe opening session offered a broad and inspiring introduction to the world of medical communications. Steven explored the diversity of the profession, from regulatory writing and educational content to scientific storytelling and strategic communications.He highlighted how MedComms professionals often work behind the scenes, yet play a vital role in helping audiences understand complex science. The talk also encouraged students and early-career attendees to see MedComms as a field full of opportunity, variety, and lifelong learning.🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184113243?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 2: Challenging the Client-Agency Divide in MedCommsVicky SherwoodDrawing on experience in both agencies and pharmaceutical companies, Vicky explored one of the most important working relationships in the industry: the client–agency partnership.She explained that many common frustrations — slow feedback, changing priorities, vague briefs, delayed decisions — are often symptoms of complex internal systems rather than difficult individuals. Her practical advice focused on empathy, stronger briefing, clearer timelines, and collaborative working.The session was a valuable reminder that better understanding leads to better outcomes for teams and patients alike.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184128981?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 3: Update on Writing for Children

Jane Lamprill

Jane delivered a highly specialist and thought-provoking session on writing lay summaries for children in clinical research. She explored the growing regulatory importance of plain-language summaries, particularly for paediatric studies, and explained why children cannot be treated as a single audience. Different age groups require different language, formats, and communication styles. The session also covered ethics, accessibility, emotional sensitivity, and the importance of involving children and families in the communication process wherever appropriate. A powerful reminder that effective communication should be inclusive, compassionate, and age-appropriate.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184253415?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 4: The New World of Nutraceutical Communications in the Context of Medical Communications

Sital Harris

Sital introduced an emerging and increasingly relevant topic: nutraceuticals and supplements within healthcare pathways. Her talk explored how nutrition-related interventions are becoming more visible across policy, patient care, medical education, market access, and scientific communications. She also highlighted the growing need for better communication around evidence, interactions, patient awareness, and clinical decision-making. For MedComms professionals, this session opened the door to a fast-growing area of opportunity and responsibility.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184260257?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 5: Regulatory Communications: What Would You Say If You Weren’t Afraid

Ming Ewe

One of the most memorable sessions of the day, Ming’s talk blended regulatory strategy, creativity, psychology, and personal insight. She explored how fear can limit individuals, teams, and organisations — whether through imposter syndrome, avoidance, or resistance to difficult conversations. In contrast, she championed flow, intuition, emotional intelligence, and courage as essential qualities for stronger communication. Her message was clear: regulatory communications is not just about compliance. It is about clarity, confidence, and helping others understand complex ideas in meaningful ways.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184366174?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 6: The Art of Creating Effective Slides

Sophie Crawford

Sophie delivered a practical masterclass on presentation design and visual storytelling. She explained that strong presentations combine three core elements: Visualisation, Evidence, Narration. The session showed how thoughtful slide design can improve retention, reduce distractions, and help presenters tell a stronger story. Topics included information overload, consistency, animation, audience psychology, and tailoring slides to the confidence level of the speaker. An essential session for anyone who presents scientific content.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184377486?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 7: Working with CROs and Sponsors

Paul McCormack

Paul focused on one of the biggest drivers of project success: alignment.His core message — clarity is kindness — resonated strongly throughout the room. He explained how unclear expectations, hidden assumptions, and conflicting stakeholder input often lead to delays, rewrites, and frustration. He also challenged the idea that medical writers are “just writers,” positioning them instead as project leaders, architects, translators, and strategic contributors who help teams move forward.Practical, honest, and highly relevant for anyone working across functions.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184396020?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Session 8: Medical Communications at a Crossroads: Lessons from the Field — and Where We Go Next

Bilal Bham

Bilal closed the speaker programme with a wide-ranging and insightful session on the future of the industry. His central argument was that many organisations do not have a writing problem — they have an alignment problem. Strong products and strong data can still fail if teams cannot agree on a coherent story. He encouraged medical communicators to move beyond pure delivery and become strategic partners who can spot contradictions, connect functions, and create confidence across stakeholders. The session also highlighted the importance of resilience, reinvention, empathy, and soft skills in building long-term careers.

🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184423248?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🎤 Closing Panel Discussion: Delivering Successful Events and Impactful Meetings

 

The day concluded with an engaging panel discussion covering everything from in-person vs online meetings to slide design, audience engagement, conference stands, handling difficult questions, and what makes messages memorable. Among the key takeaways: In-person meetings still offer unmatched relationship-building and energy. Online events remain valuable for accessibility and convenience. Great meetings need relevant content and engaged audiences. Great presenters stay human, authentic, and adaptable There is no perfect event — success comes from clear messages and meaningful connection. A fitting end to a day focused on communication in all its forms.🔗 Watch on demand: https://vimeo.com/1184970198?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

 

🙏 Thank You

Thank you to all speakers, attendees, online participants, and supporters who helped make the MedComms Networking Spring Event 2026 such a success.

 

We hope these on-demand sessions continue to inspire learning, collaboration, and new opportunities across the MedComms community.