We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of NeST’s first Away Day and Annual Meeting, which took place on 3rd-4th October in York. The two-day event featured a rich program of individual and snapshot presentations delivered by leading mid-career, senior, and early-career researchers. It provided a unique platform for investigators at all career stages to engage in discussions, foster potential research collaborations, and network with colleagues from different universities. The event encouraged open communication, teamwork, and the exchange of innovative ideas, contributing to the establishment of NeST’s position in the research community. The lively discussions, insightful presentations, and collaborative spirit showcased the strength of NeST as a research consortium. We look forward to building on the momentum generated by this Away Day and Annual Meeting as we continue our journey of exploration and discovery within the field.