Starting and Growing Your Research Career

Presentation 1: Clinical Academics in Research

In this presentation, Matt Beasley breaks down what a clinical academic is, sharing insights on the benefits of combining clinical practice with research, and offering guidance on how to pursue this rewarding career path. You’ll also learn about mentorship opportunities, professional development resources like the NIHR pathways, and programmes such as the Formal Radiography Research Mentoring (FoRRM).

Useful links referenced in the presentation are provided below:

• Clinical Academic Radiographer: Guidance for the support of new and established roles
• Formal Radiography Research Mentoring (FoRRM)
• NIHR Academy Mentoring Programme
• Radiographers Incubator

Presentation 2: Funding Opportunities for Research 

Prof Caroline Alexander takes radiographers through some of the different funding options available at the early points of developing a research career. This includes the NIHR fellowship scheme and the professional body schemes as well as signposting to local and national charities.

Key websites to explore are

• INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research Round 1 Guidance Notes | NIHR
• HEE-NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme | NIHR
• Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework | NIHR
• Research grants and funding | CoR

Presentation 3: Radiographer Research Skills Development Framework 

In this presentation, Dr Ruth Reeve gives an introduction to research training frameworks, discussing how and why they can be used to develop your skills and experience into research. 

You can download a copy of the RadResearch Clinical Research Training Framework here - it has been designed to develop the skills that a radiographer of any professional background requires in order to support clinical research. It is easy to use, can be used flexibly and is simple to complete.

Presentation 4: Audit, Service Evaluation and Research

Dr Tracy O’Regan provides a short overview introducing audit, service evaluation and research in radiography. She gives signposting to useful resources and suggestions about how to get started.

Key websites to explore are:  

• HQIP – Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership 
• AuditLive (radiology) | The Royal College of Radiologists 
• The Quality Standard for Imaging 
• Getting It Right First Time - GIRFT

Presentation 5: Starting your Research Journey

Meera Sharma gives an overview of how to start your research career, and where and from whom you can get support.

Key websites to explore are:

• NHS Research Framework
• NIHR Future-Focused Leadership Programme
• NIHR Support for Allied Health Professionals
• Clinical research courses and support
• Clinical Research Facilities
• NIHR Research Career Funding Programmes

We are excited to share the recording of our engaging Q&A session held on November 18, 2024. 

During the interactive Q&A, our expert panel - Prof Helen McNair, Dr Tracy O’Regan, Dr Ruth Reeve, Prof Caroline Alexander, Matt Beasley and Meera Sharma - answered live questions. This open-ended discussion provided a platform for attendees to guide the conversation, gain valuable insights, and build confidence in their research skills.

We hope this recording serves as a useful resource and inspires you on your research journey. Enjoy!