Rishi C Patel

Research is not just about discovery—it’s about connection, collaboration, and accessibility. As External Research Coordinator, I want to ensure that SORA members have direct access to research opportunities, mentors, and collaborations beyond Imperial, helping students kickstart and advance their research careers.

With experience researching hypervigilance and vestibular perception, alongside involvement in clinical audits such as the DATES audit on TIA services and the Pharmacy First audit, I understand how valuable early research exposure is for students. However, I also recognise how difficult it can be to find the right opportunities. That’s why I want to:

• Expand research opportunities beyond Imperial by forming partnerships with external institutions, labs, and clinicians, ensuring SORA members gain access to a wide range of research fields.
• Organise networking events and mentorship schemes, connecting students with researchers in academia, industry, and clinical sciences, helping them secure research placements and collaborations.
• Create a structured database of research opportunities, making it easier for students to find projects that align with their interests and career aspirations.
• Support students in presenting their research by organising opportunities to publish and present at conferences.

If you want greater research access, more external opportunities, and a stronger academic network, vote for me as External Research Coordinator. Let’s take SORA to the next level and make research more accessible for everyone.