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Health & Social Care Research Across North East & North Cumbria.

Radiology

Meet the Team

As a diagnostic service, Radiology plays an important part in research, supporting a wide variety of studies from different directorates such as Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics & Paediatrics. Radiologist and Radiographer-led research also plays an important part in research – always looking at ways to improve diagnostic imaging and the patient care pathway.

The NENC Imaging Academy is working in collaboration with the NIHR to promote and raise the profile of research within Radiology. Developing an infrastructure to support and build Radiology-led research and improve research capacity and capability in the region.

Clare Moody

Regional Lead Research Radiographer/Newcastle Lead Research Radiographer

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Georgia Williams

Research Project Manager Regional Radiology

Simon Lowes

Regional Research Imaging Lead

CRN North East and North Cumbria

Clare Moody's research experience

Hi, I’m Clare and I am the North East & North Cumbria Lead Research Radiographer, also working as the Lead Research Radiographer at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. I have worked as a Radiographer in the North East for 25 years, with the last 13 dedicated to research. I have a BSc in Radiology, PGCert in CT imaging, PGDip in Nuclear Medicine and currently studying a Masters in Clinical Research.  Radiology imaging is known for its supporting role in many research studies, but little is known about research performed and led by Radiology staff.  My regional role is a fantastic opportunity to educate, advise and support all aspects of Radiology led research. We aim to promote the excellent research that Radiology staff are doing throughout NENC.

Connect with Clare Moody

Email Clare

Find Clare on LinkedIn

Georgia Williams's research experience

Hi, I’m Georgia and I am the North East & North Cumbria Research Project Manager for Radiology. My role is to provide project support to studies across the region, helping to develop a research idea and provide guidance through regulatory approval and sponsorship processes’.

I have worked in Clinical Research since graduating from my Master’s degree and have since set up and delivered a wide portfolio of commercial and non-commercial research. I am here to work with staff to support turning a research idea into a reality!

Connect with Georgia Williams

Email Georgia

Find Georgia on LinkedIn

Simon Lowes's research experience

I am a Consultant Breast Radiologist based at Gateshead Health and hold an honorary contract with Newcastle University. Although nominally 80% clinical and 20% academic, research plays a significant role in my work. As well as having research interests in clinical and laboratory-based studies in breast imaging and breast cancer, I am keen to help strengthen all imaging-based research across the region.

I am currently the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Imaging Research Lead for the North East and North Cumbria, and the regional School of Radiology Research Lead. Together with Clare Moody, Georgia Williams, and the CRN (during their transition into the Research Delivery Network, RDN), I hope that we can develop a functioning research imaging network across NENC, that allows us to communicate freely, share ideas, challenges, and successful ways of working, so that we can increase research delivery across the region and support our own home-grown research.

How to get involved

Sign up

Sign up to our NHS Futures page here.

Our page is a centralised space where radiology colleagues from across the North East & North Cumbria region can contact each other via the forum for help, advice and just a general source of knowledge on ‘who’s doing what’ around the region. 

Newsletters

Check out our latest newsletter to stay up-to-date:

Newsletter Edition 1 - September 2024

Newsletter Edition 2 - October 2024

Newsletter Edition 3 - November 2024

Newsletter Edition 4 - January 2025

Get in touch

Contact Georgia and Clare to discuss how they can support Radiology research within your department/speciality.

Meet and Shadow

Meet and shadow a Research Radiographer. This is a fantastic opportunity to see what the role of a Research Radiographer entails and see what aspects of this you can develop within your own Radiology role. Contact Clare Moody for further information.

Research stories from our region

Clare Moody - Regional Lead Research Radiographer, Superintendent Research Radiographer

 

"Most of us don’t get everything we want the first time we try.  Research can be hard, you may not get that poster, journal abstract, funding application accepted on your first attempt, but you will learn from this and become stronger."

Clare's Research Story

Georgia Williams - Research Project Manager Regional Radiology

 

"The variation in my job, and seeing how important Research can be to Patients and the Public in terms of improving care, experiences and treatment, is so rewarding."

Georgia's Research Story

Raya Vinogradov - Senior Research Radiographer, Obstetric sonographer

 

"A clinical academic career is a marathon, not a sprint. Maintain a sustainable pace to avoid burnout."

Raya's Research Story

Helen Watts - Advanced Practitioner Radiographer, South Tees NHS Trust & Lead Radiographer, NENC Imaging Network

 

"Through my research I absolutely loved exploring a topic I was passionate about and getting the opportunity to consider other perspectives and experiences than my own."

Helen's Research Story

Gemma Walsh - MRI Radiographer & PhD Researcher

 

"The true reward of research comes when findings are disseminated and used to create positive changes within the radiographer workforce."

Gemma's Research Story

Dr Naail Al Zuhir - Consultant Radiologist

 

"We are all here to help patients get better and I found it very gratifying to engage in research that would find novel treatments for conditions with previously limited treatment options."

Naail's Research Story

Pippa Bird - Research Radiographer

 

"I was inspired to join as I wanted to develop my skills further in imaging as well as delve into research; being part of making improvements and finding out why things are done was really appealing."

Pippa's Research Story

Helpful resources

The North East and North Cumbria (NENC) Radiology Research group shares inspirational research stories from colleagues, educational research resources, upcoming training, funding & events, as well as showcasing Radiology led research in the region. 

FutureNHS Radiology page

Newsletter Edition 1 - September 2024

Newsletter Edition 2 - October 2024

Newsletter Edition 3 - November 2024

Newsletter Edition 4 - January 2025

NIHR Funding

NIHR Greenshoots is a NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria scheme that is open to colleagues who work within the region, specifically consultant medical staff, specialist doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals, as well as clinical research practitioners and public health employees.
  • The Greenshoots scheme currently runs every financial year, from April to the following March. It supports those who wish to act as a principal investigator on an NIHR portfolio research study.
  • Successful applicants will receive funding for two financial years, up to the value of around £4500 per year.
Find out more here

The NIHR Short Placement Award for Research Collaboration (NIHR SPARC) Scheme Round 11 will open for applications on 25 September 2024.

This scheme offers NIHR Academy members (from pre-doctoral to early career postdoctoral researchers) supported by a part of NIHR Infrastructure, a Health Protection Research Unit or an NIHR School an opportunity to spend time in other parts of the NIHR to network, train in a specific skill or collaborate with other researchers/specialists.

Individuals can apply to the SPARC scheme for up to £15,000 to undertake a bespoke short placement designed to optimise and enhance their research training experience, CVs and academic careers.

We welcome applicants to consider planning and undertaking placements of their own choosing but we are specifically encouraging applications that focus on:

  • multiple long term conditions, or
  • navigating and working with parts of the NIHR with links to industry and the commercial sector.

Find out more here

The INSIGHT Programme funds a wide range of engagement activities and research Masters places. The engagement activities and Masters places are for current students and recent graduates within registered healthcare, social work and public health professions.

Find out more here

Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme

NIHR offers a range of career development funding if you are looking to combine research with clinical practice. This funding will enable you to develop a clinical academic career: 

Fellowships

Fellowships are available across career stages. They offer flexibility for clinical time while enabling you to focus on an academic career:

College of Radiographers

1. Oversees conference attendance of £500
  • Deadline for applicants - last Friday in September each year
  • Find out more here
2. Doctoral Fellowship Grant for up to £25,000
  • Deadline for applicants - first Monday in April each year
  • Find out more here 
3. Industry partnership scheme research grant for up to £10,000
  • 2 grant calls per year
  • Deadline for applicants - last Friday in April & first Monday in October each year
  • Find out more here

Wellcome

1. Early career researcher award
  • Three calls per year
  • Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. 
  • Current deadline - 1st October 2024
  • Find out more here
2. Mid career researcher award 
  • Three calls per year
  • The annual expenditure for a Career Development Award is usually below £250,000 excluding the applicant’s salary.
  • Current deadline - 26th November 2024
  • Find out more here
3. Established researcher discovery award 
  • Three calls per year
  • The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million
  • Current deadline - 3rd December 2024
  • Find out more here

CPD Funding via NHS Trust's

It is funding set aside for registered nurses, nursing associates, midwives and other allied health professionals working for the NHS in England to access an individual development fund of £1,000 over three years – £333 per year.

The CPD funding is intended to be used as an individual development fund for frontline clinical professionals to: 

  • Equip them with new clinical skills to enhance the care they provide to patients and develop their careers. 
  • Support staff in moving between sectors, for example, by enabling nurses and AHPs in hospitals to move to new roles in primary care and community care, supporting improved primary care access and out of hospital care. 
  • Support the maintenance of their continuing professional registration by helping them to meet requirements from their professional regulators. 

For clarity, this funding is an investment solely for CPD and cannot be used for funding backfill or mandatory training. 

Contact your line manager to explore using your CPD funding.

Integrated Clinical Academic Programme Internship Scheme

Sheffield Hallam University are proud to co-ordinate the Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic Programme Internship Scheme across the North East and Yorkshire region of NHS England.

This scheme is open to registered health and care staff (nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, pharmacists and health care scientists) employed in health care or social care organisations in the North East and Yorkshire regions of NHS England. We are keen to see applications from a wide range of registered professions and work settings, including acute, community and social care.

Find out more here

1. NHIP PPIE Courses

A pilot series of joint Patient, Public, Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) training sessions for research staff and patient/public contributors.
Visit the above link for more information and to register interest (there are a mix of in-person and virtual events)

12 Mar 2025

2. RadResearch Conference (Leeds)

Unlock Your Research Potential!

Curious about research? Looking to enhance patient care? Have new ideas or looking for further inspiration?

Join us for an exclusive, FREE conference organised by RadResearch, the NIHR-supported Incubator for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiographers. Ignite your passion for research and professional growth with a day full of inspiration and learning.

What to Expect:

  • Expert Insights: Hear from top clinical researchers and academics.
  • Tailored Sessions: Choose three one-hour sessions that align with your research journey.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers during breaks.
  • Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered by our expert panel.

Whether you're just starting out or advancing your research skills, our sessions are designed for every stage of your journey. Build your confidence, gain valuable insights, and take the next step in your research career.

Early booking is advised as places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join us for a day filled with inspiration, learning, and networking. Don't miss out on this opportunity to advance your career!

Register here.

18-20 May 2025

3. R&D Forum 25 (Manchester)

Join us in Manchester from May 18-20, 2025, for the next edition of the R&D Forum Annual Conference—an unmissable gathering for professionals dedicated to health and care research management. For over two decades, this conference has been the cornerstone event for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing across the sector.

Register for updates: RDF25 Manchester 18-20 May 2025

Call for abstracts now closed: RDF25 Call for Abstracts - RDF25

More information to be added once sign up open!

26 Feb - 2 Mar 2025

4. ECR 2025 Conference (Vienna)

  • The ECR is an international meeting and one of the leading events in radiology.
  • The ECR is one of the largest medical meetings in Europe and the second-largest radiological meeting in the world.
  • ECR attendees span all areas of the radiology arena including radiology professionals, radiographers, physicists, industry representatives, and press reporters for both the medical and consumer press.

Mark your calendar: the ECR 2025 Late-Breaking Submission window opens from December 18, 2024, to January 13, 2025—your final chance to share your most innovative findings with a global community of scientific pioneers at ECR 2025

 

Learn more here.

2-4 Jun 2025

5. UKO Congress (Liverpool)

UKIO 2025 will take place at the ACC Liverpool on 2-4 June with the theme Community & Consciousness: One Health and aims to encourage us as an imaging and oncology community to think about sustainability and the importance of joined-up thinking that considers the impact of our individual actions on the global village.

The health of the population and the health of the planet are intrinsically connected and so this year’s congress will also continue last year’s theme of ‘putting people first’ both in terms of patients and also the sustainability, health and wellbeing of the workforce.

Learn more here.