Record number named as future research leaders
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has announced the fifth cohort of its pioneering Research Leaders Programme (RLP).
Twelve new healthcare professionals will receive training and support to help them develop as research leaders.
It is the largest cohort so far, taking the total number supported by the programme to over 40. They come from a range of different professions at UHS, including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and clinical science.
The RLP supports award holders to take the next steps in their research career. It covers salary costs for at least one day a week (20% whole time equivalent) for up to three years.
The awards are open to all substantively employed by UHS. The RLP is managed by the Southampton Academy of Research (SoAR).
The next cohort
Following a competitive process, the twelve new RLP awardees are:
- Alexander Aarvold - Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Veena Agarwal - Senior Research Physiotherapist (Neurodegenerative Diseases)
- Donna Austin - Advanced Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (Paediatric Intensive Care)
- Andrew Bates – Senior Research Nurse (Critical Care)/Research Fellow
- Thomas Dudding - Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Surgeon
- Richard Felwick - Consultant Gastroenterologist
- Kevin Goss - Consultant Neonatologist
- Matthew Harmer - Consultant in Paediatric Nephrology
- Philip Newland-Jones - Consultant Pharmacist (Diabetes & Endocrinology)
- Mich Lajeunesse - Consultant Paediatric Immunologist
- Sean Main - Consultant Clinical Oncologist
- Jacqueline Young - Clinical Scientist (Audiology)
Changing the culture
Hospitals which are research active have better patient outcomes. UHS is therefore keen to encourage staff to participate in research, and the RLP is central to this.
The RLP enables researchers from all backgrounds, professions and specialisms the time they need to engage in research and build on their existing strengths. It means they can develop the skill set and confidence they need to generate impactful, innovative and sustainable research programmes of their own.
This is creating a culture where research is valued. It also allows more patients to have the opportunity to take part in studies and trials.
Dr Kristin Veighey, Lead for the RLP, said:
"It is truly inspiring to witness this programme entering its fifth cohort, showcasing a remarkable diversity of professions. The programme continues to thrive, consistently identifying and nurturing inclusive research leaders who make significant impacts both locally and nationally. These leaders are paving the way for the next generation and enhancing patient care."
Long-term benefits for UHS research
Since the programme was first launched in 2022, it has brought in over £6.2 million in total grant income. Awardees have published over 400 papers in academic journals.
It has supported four cohorts of UHS staff to develop their research and leadership skills. Those in the first cohort are due to finish their three years this Spring. They have all applied for external funding, enabling them to continue to develop as research leaders.
Dr Cathy McKenzie and Dr Jessica Bate have already secured NIHR Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Awards. This gives them 50% protected research time for the next five years, funding the next stage of their careers as research leaders.
Dr Mark Banting has been awarded £1.2 million by the NIHR to lead a national study. He will investigate whether two medicines can be given as nasal sprays to palliative care patients by carers at home.
Dr Phil Hyde is leading the Pre-hospital Research and Audit Network (PRANA). This is linking data from many different sources to reduce serious injuries or deaths from road traffic collisions. His work has received over £400,000 from the Road Safety Trust. It has also been funded by Wessex Health Partners and the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network.