CARRii’s inaugural annual scientific meeting brought together over 100 researchers, clinicians, innovators and patient partners from across the UK at a critical moment for the health service. With respiratory viruses already contributing to early increases in hospital admissions, the meeting opened with a clear reminder from Professor Julian Redhead, national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, that “the greatest predictor of the extent of the crisis is the flu numbers.” The challenge is both predictable and pressing, positioning CARRii to lead a coordinated national response.