Inspiring more clinical staff into research through Imperial programme

Clinical staff working across a range of professions have graduated from a special Imperial programme designed to support them into research careers.

The Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC) Researcher Development Programme is aimed at allied health professionals, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and clinical scientists.  The aim of the course is to develop the skills and confidence required for a research career so that they can apply for clinical academic career opportunities at MSc or pre-doctoral level.

Clinical staff working at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust took part in the three-month course at Imperial College London.

The programme was delivered by academics at Imperial and some of the topics covered included how to evaluate the role of research in clinical practice and understanding the processes associated with carrying out a research project.  Participants also gained experience in developing a research proposal and they heard from other members of staff working in their professions who had embarked on a research career.

Professor Mary Morrell, Professor of Sleep and Respiratory Physiology at the National Heart and Lung Institute, and champion of the scheme, said:

“Research is fundamental to improving health outcomes and how we deliver care for patients.  Clinical staff working in a range of backgrounds such as nurses often have great ideas for research projects, as they engage with patients more closely.  However, one of the barriers preventing this group of staff from pursuing a clinical academic career is a lack of understanding of research skills and a lack of confidence.  We have designed this course to provide the best possible introduction to getting started in research. I hope this year’s participants are now inspired to pursue a research career.”

Participants also had the opportunity to work in groups with a research coach from Imperial to discuss the application of the knowledge and skill learned into their work environment.

Dave Roberts, Therauptic Radiographer at The Royal Marsend NHS Foundation Trust

Dave Roberts, a Therauptic Radiographer at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, took part in the programme, he said: 

“I have been interested in getting into research for a while and signed up to this course to learn more about how to do this. I found the course really interesting and the speakers involved have been inspirational.  I will definitely be using the skills and knowledge gained to start applying for funding for a research project.”

The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony and networking reception.

The AHSC Researcher Development Programme is part of the education and training activities carried out by the AHSC, a joint initiative between Imperial College London and three NHS hospitals trusts. It aims to transform healthcare by turning scientific discoveries into medical advances to benefit local, national and global populations in as fast a timeframe as possible.